Daily Journal: 1 August

Be Enriched In Every Way

Isn’t it true, that the more we’ve experienced something, the more understanding and sensitivity we have for others who experience the same thing? When we have relatable experiences, we extend ourselves more. If it's a celebration, we can be joyful with others. If it's a crisis, we can be sensitive to them. In all of it, we can be present.

2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

In enriching others, we are enriched

When we give to others God extends a blessing towards us so that we can continue giving. His plan is that we give and keep on giving, either out of what we have, or even what we don’t have – sacrificially, to help others.

2 Corinthians 8:2 (GWT)

While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous.

Those who were the most impoverished and going through the worst persecution, were the ones who were giving the most, generously helping those across cities because of what they themselves were going through. 2 Corinthians 9:9 quotes Psalm 112:9, describing this righteousness that will last forever. God rewards joyful giving that comes from a pure heart; knowing that He is our provider and He will continue to provide for us even as we give to others. It doesn't have to be monetary. In all things, it comes from a heart to meet another's need.

2 Corinthians 9:10 (TLB)

For God, who gives seed to the farmer to plant, and later on good crops to harvest and eat, will give you more and more seed to plant and will make it grow so that you can give away more and more fruit from your harvest.

This paints a beautiful word picture of giving from whatever we have in our heart to give and receiving an abundant measure back – not so that we will receive more, but so that we will be able to continue giving more.

What’s in my heart to give today? Where has God placed me? Where will God direct my feet? Who will God bring across my path?

I pray we are ready and able to see a need, ready and able to reach out and give freely in the area God has positioned us for. Perhaps it’s material – food, money, petrol, a gift of some kind. Perhaps it’s a word of encouragement, taking someone somewhere, visiting someone, just being a friend.

I pray we will be enriched in every way as we receive the joy of the Lord in our heart. I pray that we see the need around us and give out of God’s rich love and grace, which has been poured into our hearts.