You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:11
Generosity may be in the DNA of most Americans. When Hurricane Helene devastated portions of North Carolina last month, volunteers from many walks of life rushed to aid in rescue and recovery. Eighty official response teams logged over 3,500 hours. More than 5,700 Samaritan’s Purse volunteers were on hand to deliver food, water, and medical supplies. Owners of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters donated their equipment. Mule trains brought in much-needed items to areas that could not otherwise be reached. Across the country, churches and organizations raised money and sent relief supplies, while local churches became distribution warehouses. Solar and gas-powered generators were donated, along with satellite communications hookups and equipment. No one on the giving side complained about doing it.
Researchers have found that there are benefits to being generous. The Full Focus personal development group lists several ways that “generosity enhances our quality of life.” It is healthy, lowering blood pressure, reducing depression and anxiety, and even improving chronic pain management. It triggers “feel-good” brain chemicals like endorphins and dopamine. Generosity reduces stress, improves relationships, and increases longevity.
We love the Lord because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). In the same way, believers are to give generously because He first gave to us (2 Corinthians 9:15). In today’s verse, Paul reminds the faithful in Corinth that God has blessed them that they might bless others. Just a few verses earlier, he writes, “God loves a cheerful giver” (verse 7). Are you a generous Christian? Do you give from a thankful heart, cheerfully? Pastor and author Lowell Ivey writes, “A cheerful giver knows he has nothing except what comes from the gracious hand of God—and he wants his whole life to be an unending chorus of praise and gratitude to the Father for the gift of His Son.”
Today’s Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 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!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
