Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians 9:12-15, Overflowing Thanksgiving

12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Giving is not only a responsibility; it is an act of worship and thanksgiving to God. It is an integral part of gospel ministry. Their sacrificial giving will be an act of witness to the world that will cause others to look toward Jesus. The ground of our giving is always Jesus. If he is not, then we will one day find ourselves on sinking sand.

O Lord, give us more charity, more self-denial, more likeness to thee. Teach us to sacrifice our comforts to others, and our likings for the sake of doing good. Make us kindly in thought, gentle in word, generous in deed. Teach us that it is better to give than to receive; better to forget ourselves than to put ourselves forward; better to minister than to be ministered unto. And unto thee, the God of love, be glory and praise for ever.

Henry Alford, 1810-1871