Sunday, January 21, 2024  

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Scripture Reading
2 Corinthians 9:6–15

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (NRSV)

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Reflection

After four years of chemistry classes and student news reporting in college, I crossed into the world of capitalism and worked at a New York investment bank. The money and bling and spreadsheets were a marked contrast to my poor student days filled with afternoon labs and Ramen noodle dinners.

In December of my first year, I received my first holiday bonus payment — what a nice Christmas present, not necessarily personalized but certainly remunerative. I remember writing checks — for the first time — to charities important to me.

I thought I showed “great generosity” and shared my gift news with my parents. My mother, who prepared my tax filings and saw my pay stubs, said I should have donated more. I did not meet her definition of “generous.”

Ouch! Her message hit my self-entitled Christian heart squarely. And, of course, Mom was right.

Too often, we let ourselves off the donation hook by saying “I gave what I could and that is all anyone could ask.” But the needs are so great, and the causes so important, it is not enough to simply give; we need to give generously.

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he tells us to “give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Cheerful or not, we must be generous. Not only does our generosity help others, but our gifts make us whole.

In fact, Paul’s — and God’s — message of wealth redistribution, and that is what they ask, establishes a community for all to live generously, where love and grace permeate givers and receivers alike.

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Prayer
Dear God, thank you for calling me out to be radically generous. Also, thank you for the love, generosity, and wise advice of moms. Amen.

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Written by Phil Calian, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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