Read 2 Corinthians 9:6–15
‘And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!’ (vv14–15)
It can be nice to both give and receive gifts at Christmas time. Whilst the earthly value of each gift may vary, the important thing is the love and thought that has gone into buying or making it.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to organise a monetary gift, a collection for their less well-off brothers and sisters in Christ in Jerusalem.
To encourage them to be generous, Paul compares their giving with God’s, inferring that whatever gift the Corinthians might give, must always be done in the light of God’s ‘indescribable gift’ of Jesus (v15).
Christmas gives us an opportunity, as Christ followers, to be generous in many ways. Perhaps with our time – spending time with others and encouraging them.
Perhaps with our gifting – using our skills and gifts to bless others. Perhaps in the giving of a gift – something that says we care and value the receiver.
Whatever way we decide to give this Christmas, if we do so in the light of God’s gift of Jesus, we will reflect His generous heart and character.
We are never more like God than when we give, as John chapter 3, verse 16 tells us: ‘For God so loved the world he gave…’
A PRAYER TO MAKE:
‘Lord, thank You that You have given us Your very best in Christ. Help me to represent Your giving character this Christmas season. Amen.’
AN ACTION TO TAKE:
How might we demonstrate God’s generous character this Christmas?
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER:
Prov. 11:1–31; Prov. 22:1–16; 1 Tim. 6:17–19, Titus 3:1–8
Photo by Rob Laughter on Unsplash
