“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people, but it is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:10-16
These verses are so full of awesome content! God is generous to us so that we can in turn be generous to others! We have the incredible privilege of sharing what God blesses us with and that results in others thanking and worshiping God! THAT is an incredible gift to US! Is it not? When we bless others, give our time and resources to others in ways that are contrary to our culture and society, others can feel the love of God and respond in praise!
As we celebrate the arrival of the indescribable gift of the newborn Savior this Advent season, I just want to pause and reflect on all that God has given to us and all that he is continuing to give to us. We are broken sinners and we have nothing to offer on our own that is fit for a king. The song “Little Drummer Boy” plays in my head on repeat. All we have to offer is our praise and, through our generosity fueled by God’s love, we can offer His love to others that results in others praising God!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you were willing to send your son to live as one of us in this broken world to restore your relationship with us. Thank you, Jesus, for taking on our shame and burdens and experiencing death on the cross just for us. Spirit, please restore in us a fire for only you that we may turn to those around us and share all that we have to spread your love that the whole world may celebrate your precious name. AMEN
Deidre Brinkmeyer Larson