Personal Reflections on Generosity
“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints — and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you — see that you excel in this act of grace also. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, ESV
Today is a day of reflection upon the sermon from Sunday and upon all you gleaned from last week’s time in the Word through these devotions. Please read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 one more time, asking God to give you insight and strength to make specific application to what you are learning about encouragement. Learning truth without making application brings hardness of heart. Let us pursue soft hearts and transformed lives!!
Application Questions
- What one truth have you learned from 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 that is impacting your heart regarding encouraging others in your church family?
- Who are some people in your life to whom you think God is calling you to generously give of your time, talents, and treasures?
- What obstacles stand in the way of generosity? What might help you overcome these obstacles?
- What practical action do you plan to make in order to pursue an opportunity to by generous this week?
Take some time to pray for your obedience and joy as you seek to grow in Christian generosity.
Memory Verse: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9, ESV