2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (CEB)

What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop.

Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.


Reflection

Can you imagine what your life would be like without God’s grace? As children of God it’s impossible for us to imagine living our lives without God. All of creation, every daily blessing we experience, our gifts and talents, our very salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus, all these blessings come from our loving God. We can never repay this gift of grace and divine love, but only give thanks to God with our every breath.

God’s over-flowing grace fills us with an endless generosity to help others. Like a pitcher pouring water into an overflowing cup, God’s power fills us with more than we need. When our cup is overflowing with God’s blessings, we are able to share what we have with others. We are able to share not just money for God’s work, but our gifts, talents and our time with others. When we give generously, it brings us joy, and we bring joy into the lives of those who are in need and hurting. Even when we go through tough times, and feel uncertain about the future, we have faith that God will provide for us and we learn to rely on and trust God to care for us.

So what will we do with this overflowing grace poured out into our lives by God? We will look for opportunities to be loving, compassionate and generous. We will look for ways to serve, loving our neighbor, and ministries to fund. We will support our church with all that we can give so that we can be the presence of Christ to our community. Each act of service, each gift of time, every dollar joyfully given, is a seed planted for God’s Kin(g)-dom.

When we plant a small crop of seeds, because of fear and uncertainty, our yield will be a small harvest.  When we trust in God’s power, especially during these uncertain times, we will be able to sow a generous amount of seeds. By trusting in God, and following Jesus’ example, we will reap a generous crop that will change the lives of those in need.

By Jeneene Reduker


For Pondering & Prayer

Look for opportunities where you can plant seeds to add to your generous harvest for God. How can you use your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness to serve God today?

Prayer: God of overflowing grace, you bless us everyday, and we admit we aren’t always grateful for all that you have done for us through your son Jesus. Thank you for your blessings in our lives, and teach us to rely on your love as we joyfully serve you. Amen.