2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
One of the most popular symbols of Thanksgiving is the cornucopia, the woven horn filled with food and flowers. The word translated from the latin, “horn of plenty” represents abundance, and from our earliest roots as a nation we have celebrated the plenty that we’ve been given by a great and generous God. It’s a holiday that brings people together and a time of pausing to appreciate all that we have.
We know that everything we have is from God, and one the names we have for Him is “Jehovah Jireh” meaning “the Lord who provides.” As we see in the scripture above, God’s providence is described as abounding and sufficient. “Abound” means in excess, more than enough. And “sufficient” means that we have all that we need to accomplish what we’ve been called to do. And we are called to be God’s two-legged distribution centers for love and grace.
As believers, we aren’t to worry about scarcity, but to give with peace and confidence knowing that like a magician with a never-ending scarf, God has the resources to take care of us as we take care of others. Consider these two quotes:
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” Solomon (Proverbs 11:24)
“God is able to provide for his people whatever it is they need in order to provide for others. Giving to others is simply what trusting in God’s promises looks like in a different dress.” S. J. Hafemann
We wish you and our entire Belmont community a Happy Thanksgiving. May you celebrate the bounty that God has blessed you with and in return, bless others as you live and love like Jesus.
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
- What are some ways that God has been abundant in your life? Take a moment to list several.
- Has someone impacted your life because of their generosity? Share in the comments below how you were impacted.
- Would you be willing to take a one-month generosity experiment? Shift some things around in your time and finances to be more generous to others and to the Kingdom of God. Journal through the experience, noting the results of your willingness to be abundant in your abundance.
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Jon Price
Envato Elements