2 Corinthians 9:6-15 - The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 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. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 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, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

In this passage, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to give generously to help their fellow believers in Jerusalem who are in need. He starts by saying that we reap what we sow - if we give generously, God will bless us generously in return. But our giving should be done cheerfully, not out of obligation. God loves it when we give freely and happily to help others. Paul goes on to assure the Corinthians that God will provide for all their needs, so they can abound in generosity. He quotes from Psalm 112 about giving to the poor, and says that God will supply and multiply their gifts so they can keep on giving. The Corinthians' generous giving will result in many people thanking God. Paul calls their monetary gift an "inexpressible gift" which will bring glory to God. Overall, this passage emphasizes God's desire for His people to show generosity and care for each other, while trusting Him to provide for all their needs.

This passage convicts me deeply about my attitude and actions regarding generosity. All too often, I grip my money and possessions tightly instead of freely sharing with others. God has given me so much, yet I can be selfish and stingy. This passage reminds me that everything I have is a gift from God, and I need to hold it with an open hand. As Paul writes, God loves cheerful givers - those who give freely out of love for others, not obligation or compulsion. I want God to supply and multiply my gifts so that I can keep on giving and meeting needs around me. That brings glory to Him. When I give generously, I reap spiritual blessings and see more evidence of God's provision in my life. It's a beautiful, freeing cycle of relying on Him to provide while I pour out blessings on others. My prayer is for God to give me an open, generous heart like His own so that I can share freely with others. As the body of Christ, we are designed to meet one another's needs and display Christ's love through generosity.

Father God, forgive me for the times I've been selfish and stingy with the resources You've given me. Create in me an open, generous heart like Yours that cheerfully gives to meet needs and bless others. Help me to hold everything in my life with an open hand, available to share however You lead. Thank You for all Your good gifts to me. I pray that You would multiply those gifts so that I can keep pouring them out to show love to the people around me. Remind me always that You are my provider, and that as I give freely, You will supply all my needs. May my life overflow with generosity that brings glory and thanks to You. In Jesus' name, amen.