Take a moment to read 2 Corinthians 9 before reading the devotional below.
Generosity is only generous if you want to do it. Paul is continuing to encourage the Corinthian church to give generously. At times, he almost seems like he is twisting their arm. But his emphasis on their willingness indicates that he is actually trying to exhort them, not manipulate them. Sometimes we need to be called out in our faith journey, and Paul is calling them out on making sure their walk lines up with their talk.
When we think about generosity, we often forget to connect it with provision. What has God given you? What would it mean for you to view that provision as something to share with others? Who do you know that is poor? How could you go about giving out of your abundance?
Here’s your freedom for today:
Freedom comes when we act out of gratitude.
Towards the end of today’s chapter, Paul reminds us that generosity flows not only out of provision but out of gratitude. If we aren’t thankful, then we are taking our provision for granted. Staying connected to provision will result in a grateful heart. And a grateful heart is free. Free to give. Free to elevate others. Free to worship God and recognize that all we have comes from him.