For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
What do you do the day after Thanksgiving? What do you do right after you thank God? Our culture has built a secondary holiday right after thanking to go get more things through the holiday deals that can’t be beat. While it is not wrong to go to the store with our loved ones on Black Friday or even find a good deal online, Christ followers have been called to do more than just saying thank you on one day.
Paul’s exhortation to give thanks does not stand on its own as a teaching. He talked about God’s provision with the encouragement to give and give generously. When we read this passage, we see that God moves in our hearts to create a willingness to say thanks and to give. He equips us with what we need and what we can give to others sacrificially. We contribute to the kingdom of God, glorify God, and thank God as we give our time, resources, and finances. When we give for His glory, we are met with His abundance.
Your contribution of giving matters and makes a difference, whether you take on all the dishes after the day of cooking, serve a meal at a soup kitchen, or babysit for a single mom. God sees your giving—big and small—and He will bless the gifts you give according to His grace. As Christ followers, our giving is more than just an afterthought or something we do when it is convenient; our giving is an expression of our thanks to God for all He has done. May we continue in a spirit of thanksgiving, giving generously today and every day after.
- What are some specific ways you could practice generosity today?
- How can our generosity be expressions of thanks to God? Why is this important to remember as we give?
- Pray and ask God to show you who you can give to today.
