EmmDev 2016-12-02 [Treasure in Clay Pots (2Cor)] Generosity (8): Consequences of #1

Generosity (8): Consequences of (#1)

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.      (2Corinthians9:8-11)

When God's people are genuinely generous, then God does beautiful things in our midst. Let's look at a few:

1. Grace abounds, so that we abound in good works. What does this mean? Grace is the understanding that all the goodness and forgiveness that we receive from God is undeserved and unearned by us who receive it. GRACE is God's Riches At Christ's Expense.
   When we properly grasp and understand this kind of generosity, goodness and grace it transforms us - We become kind and generous people who "abound in every good work" which increases our understanding of grace and makes use do more good work which increases our understanding of grace, which... (and so the cycle continues...)
2. He increases our store of seed. We become rich in every way (not just money) so that we can be generous on every occasion. When we cultivate generous hearts we begin to see life differently we realise that there is more than money that we can give. We can give time. We can give encouragement. We can give some of our knowledge away. We can give a friendly smile or a kind word. We can share a meal, offer a safe space, lend a listening ear. The more we do it, the more God will work in us and the better we will become.
3. God gets the Glory. When our generosity is God directed and not self-serving, people see it and God gets glorified.

Have you grasped Grace? Has Grace grasped you?
Take a moment to reflect on God's Gifts of Life(Creation), His Son (Christmas and Easter), the Holy Spirit and Providence from day to day. Count your abundant blessings.

Now go into the day and use your time and your talents, your smile, and your kindness of heart to share this grace with others. Don't give money today. Give of yourself.

When we give away of what God has given us, it doesn't become less, it becomes more!