Friday, November 25, 2011

A Word Of Thanks From St. Paul

Mark this, the one who plants sparingly will have a spare harvest, and the one who plants bountifully will have a bountiful harvest.  Each person should give as they purpose in their heart, not grudgingly or because of duty, for God takes special delight in a hilarious giver.  God has power to make all grace abound for you, so that in every way at all times God will give you all you need so that you may overflow in every good work. As it is written,
   In many places
   he gave to the poor,
   his righteousness endures forever.

Moreover, the one who supplies seed to the planter and bread for the eater will supply and multiply your seed so that he may increase the harvest of your righteousness, in every way being enriched for all liberality which produces through us thanksgiving to God.  For the service of this worship not only completely supplies the needs of God's people, but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God.  People will glorify God because of the proof of your service, which consists of your obedience to your confession of the Good News of Jesus Christ and the your generosity of fellowship toward them and everyone else.  This will result in great regard for you, and people will pray for you because of the overflowing grace of God through you.  Thanks be to God for his indescrible gift!

II Corinthians 9:6-15