2 Corinthians 9:8-15

8: And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
9:  as it is written, “HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.”

10: Now 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 everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
12: For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
13: Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all,
14: while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
15: Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

*** 

God loves it when one gives bountifully, purposefully, and cheerfully. Not only that, but He is able to supply the grace, so the giver always has a sufficient supply in everything—an abundance for every good deed. What a promise!

Paul quoted Psalm 112:9 where the psalmist described a man who fears God and delights in His commandments. One characteristic of this person is that he gives freely to the poor, and his righteousness endures forever. Giving generously to those in need is a characteristic of a righteous person who loves and fears God. These righteous acts are eternal—they have an eternal effect.

Paul concluded this subject by saying that God is the one who supplies seed to the sower—the ability to give—as well as supplying bread for food. He will take care of you, giving you what you need, in addition to giving you a supply to help others. Apparently, the Macedonians understood this concept for they gave to the poor even though they themselves were poor. Not only will God supply this seed and bread, but He will multiply it—increasing the harvest of your righteousness so you are enriched in everything.

When one yields himself to be a channel through which God’s blessings can flow through and not just flow to—ending like in the Dead Sea with no way out—then the blessings of God, His abundance, will continue to flow to and through you. What this does is not only supply the needs of the saints but produces many words of thanks and praise to be offered up to God. When you do these kind deeds you play a part in filling hearts with thankfulness, causing a release of praise toward God. You are doing what Jesus said—letting your light shine in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Jesus Himself was a gift from the Father which resulted in much thanksgiving and praise. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!


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