Be Thankful for Giving – 2 Corinthians 9

You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but it is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11-12.

Chapter nine here is a great reference passage to learn all about giving in the church financially. It also shows us a great way to worship God when we give with a good heart. In verses 1-5, Paul explains that he had such confidence in the Corinthian church that he said they would indeed give money.

But although it was expected, he didn’t want the church simply to give money because he said so. He wanted them to grow in that area, understanding the blessing of generosity. And though he already said they would give, he didn’t say how much. That was for the church to decide!

At Harvest, we are really blessed with the number of areas we can worship, but sometimes it can simply feel like an obligation: “I have to give ten percent of my allowance.” “I have to read my bible.” “I have to do Children’s Ministry.”

But generosity is not something “forced” like a tube of toothpaste. Generosity is defined as “giving something out of great wealth.” But the wealth comes from God. Thus, in the above passage, Paul says that the believers will be “enriched” to be generous. This means that God makes a believer “rich” in order for him or her to be generous.

Does that mean God will give us loads of money? A nice house? Not exactly. It means that God will give us the ability to be generous. If we have the right heart, we will never run out of ways to be generous. Notice that Paul doesn’t stop at money. He mentions generosity in every way. This is serving, worshiping, giving, etc. This means that no matter how much money we have, how much time we have, we can be generous, because God has made us rich.

And how has he made us rich? Look how the chapter ends.

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15.

The only way we can give is if God gives to us first. Isn’t it also awesome how he will receive the glory and the thanksgiving? When we give, we don’t deserve a “thank you.” It’s actually God who does, because he’s the one who gave his only Son to us. When we see the true value of God’s gift and we give in return,

1. The needs of the saints are met.
2. Many give thanks to God.

If we only aim for the first one, it’s charity. If we aim for both, it’s worship.