Thanks Giving!

On the news this past Thursday was coverage of a family that has spent that last several years on Thanksgiving Day preparing food in their home on Bainbridge Island (in Washington State) and then traveling to Seattle where they would set up a table on a sidewalk to feed some who are homeless. Rather than sitting at home stuffing themselves, these people have chosen to spend the day as a family offering something to others, and in the process have served about a hundred homeless individuals each year. Is that not a picture of “Thanksliving”?

Yesterday we noted a passage our midweek class considered last Wednesday while discussing things for which we should be thankful and how that thankfulness can be translated into living. Today consider with me one more of those passages, a text that comes from part of Paul’s writing to the church at Corinth with regard to the collection for needy saints in Judea. Note what Paul reminded these Christians of that would help provide a springboard from which their GENEROSITY could be launched.

We read…
“(10) 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 every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. (12) For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also OVERFLOWING IN MANY THANKSGIVINGS TO GOD. (13) By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, (14) while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. (15) THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS INEXPRESSIBLE GIFT!” ( 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 ESV)

Paul began by reminding the Corinthians Who the greatest Giver is to Whom they themselves should be grateful. God’s GENEROSITY was to prompt their own as they passed on those blessings to others, while also trusting in God’s continued provision. Should it not be the same in our own life? God has been so GENEROUS in the various ways (both physical and spiritual) in which He has blessed us. What impact does His GENEROSITY have on us? Do we take those things for granted? Do we act as though we were owed them? Or do we acknowledge in some way the graciousness and love behind those blessings? God’s gifts should encourage our own GENEROSITY that others may also in turn give thanks to Him! Sharing with others is one of the great ways in which we can say thank you to the God who is mindful of every aspect of our life.

Have a great day EAGER TO SHARE GOD’S BLESSINGS WITH OTHERS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Generosity