Session 13

An overflowing life is a rich life

From The Overflowing Life: A 14-Day Devotional

Generosity moves us to be generous. When someone does something kind for you, you want to do something kind in return. Even if the person doesn’t let you pay them back, you feel compelled to pay it forward.

That’s what was happening in the church in Corinth. They were so moved by God’s generosity to them that they wanted to help others hear the good news about Jesus.

They could never pay God back for sending Jesus to save them, but they could pay it forward. They could use what God had given them to bless others the way they had been blessed.

The same is true for us today. Giving, not just our time but our money, is one way to thank God for His inexpressible gift. The Gospel is the greatest gift mankind has ever received (Romans 5:15-16).

Jesus came to earth, dealt with our sin, and gives us a way to have a relationship with God. Not only that, when we put our trust in Jesus, He gives us eternal life, brings us into God’s family, and tells us we’re going to rule and reign with Him. Talk about generosity!

As we respond to God’s generosity with our own generosity, we gain something greater than money could ever buy. We get the joy of helping others. We get to see others come to know God. And, those we help will be so “moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need” (2 Corinthians 9:15, MSG).

You may not become wealthy by giving generously, but your life will be richer. That’s a promise.

Reflect:

• Are you giving to the church? What’s one way your life has become richer since you started giving?
  
• What, if anything, holds you back from giving generously?