For Further Reflection/Discussion
“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,”
2 Corinthians 8:2-3 NIV
My world is full of asks. My kids schools, neighbor’s kids, social activities, charities, causes on social media, supporting friends businesses, family that is ill/struggling, everywhere asked to contribute. I want to always say yes - and I can’t. The no’s - hurt. They leave me feeling that I am not able to be generous, that I never contribute.
It’s important for me to take stock of my yes’s, why they matter, who they have reached and supported and praise God that I was able to give.
What are your favorite yes’s? What have you valued most in supporting? What do you believe brought a little slice of God’s Kingdom to earth?
The Gift of Ministry
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
“As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
2 Corinthians 5:17-21, 6:1-2 NIV
How have you, or how can you steward your resources fruitfully to bring reconciliation to others?
In his intro, Kendall said, something like, ‘when we are grateful and generous with our gifts - they are multiplied in our own life, we are transformed to be more like Christ, we get to experience Christ, and Gods love becomes visible to others.’
How have you experienced Christ because of a decision you made to be generous?
