Thanksgiving to God

 DEVOTION

THE 2^ND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

THANKSGIVING TO GOD

2 Cor 9:9-11

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.

NIV

Paul is continuing to talk about this giving and what the Corinthians are supposed to have given and how generous their giving was for the needs of others. But now he includes the work of God in response to their giving. This is a godly principle that it has been said that even non-believers have been subject to. This we cannot say we have witnessed, but only that we have it said God blesses anyone that gives. However, we would have to think his principle would only apply to giving that is done in his name. We would have to believe God would not make someone rich in every way because they generously gave to planned parenthood who performs hundreds upon hundreds of abortions each year. No, what Paul is making clear is that God will bless those who give in His name. God increases our harvest of righteousness which definitely implies this is holy giving which Paul is speaking about. In addition, giving should bring thanksgiving to God. Again, this is holy giving which is what Paul is talking about. Thus, we have to believe that God's principle only applies to believers who give to the needs of others who will be thanking God for the generous gift they received. We also think that being made rich by God is for the purpose of being about to give rather than store up for self-gratification. There have been many well-known people who have either preached or written books about not being able to out-give God. Although they are right, and maybe they give a lot because they have been made rich, it seems they have spent much of their wealth in self-gratification as well. The point is not to give so we can get. The point is simply to give from a cheerful heart, and if in the process, God blesses us, then everyone will be filled with thanksgiving to God. It might also be good to understand that we are not just to give to everyone, for there are people who would take advantage of those who give, and are not interested in thanking God, but just want to be given. It has also been said there are shakers and takers. This may be the reason for bringing our gifts into the storehouse, or to some credible organization, allowing those with the gift of discernment and administration to direct the funds to the appropriate needs. Nevertheless, everything should result in thanksgiving to God.