Always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. —2 Corinthians 9:8
I’ve heard a lot of talk in recent years about people preparing for disaster. In case the worst happens, they want to be sure they’ve got sufficient goods stored away to be able to survive.
While the Scriptures certainly instruct us to be prudent in preparing for the future, we don’t hear as many people talking about how they can meet the needs of others in times of crisis. Frequently, the concern seems to be more about self-preservation.
By contrast, the Macedonian churches of Paul’s day begged earnestly for the “privilege” of helping other believers who were struggling to make ends meet (2 Cor. 8:4). In giving sacrificially, they were manifesting the generous, giving heart of Christ.
A downturn in the economy can cause people to wring their hands over how dire the outlook appears. Yet as followers of Christ we should view such difficult times as opportunities to showcase to the world the goodness and grace of our God. Few things make this statement more profoundly true than when we are generous givers.
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The Quiet Place: Daily Devotional Readings
©2012 Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
What are some practical ways you could express the generous heart of God to others during these trying days?