Thanks Be to God
Scripture Reading — 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15
Next month we celebrate the birth of Christ, God's indescribable gift to us. We will have many opportunities to practice giving. What fun it will be to make or buy just the right gifts for the people on our lists! What could be just the right gift for Mom? How will you make your first Christmas as husband and wife special? Which special cause could your family support this year to help people out of poverty in this world?
2 Corinthians 9 offers wonderful guidelines for giving. Give generously. Give willingly and from the heart. Above all, give cheerfully, for in giving we have an opportunity to reflect God's generosity to us. When we follow these guidelines, our giving will not leave us stressed out but overflowing with gratitude to God.
This passage also reminds us that giving has many forms. Our gifts may be monetary, or they could be things we do for others and for God. Babysitting for a couple at church; mowing the grass for an elderly neighbor; bringing a meal to a sick person-all these are ways we can give. Our obedience-along with our confession of the gospel-brings praise to God.
Giving ourselves in earnest prayer for others may be one of the greatest gifts we can give. As we look forward to Advent, we need to remember to thank God for his indescribable gift, salvation in Jesus Christ.
Lord God, we offer ourselves to you in gratitude for the indescribable gift of your love to us in Christ. Help us to live out that gratitude daily in the power of your Spirit. Amen.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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