Reminder
And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness: ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God. For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God” 2 Corinthians 9:10-12
We all need reminders; I am no different. I attempt to write everything down, but I forget to do that sometimes. Reminders are so valuable because they call our attention to a task, a medication, or even a dear loved one. Reminders are given throughout the Word of God that call our attention to a sentiment that should be in our hearts all year long, thanksgiving.
The Lord Provides
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the overwhelming blessing of God. The blessing of God is not isolated to a season of harvest but is seen continually. Why does he remind us of this? It is a reminder of the fact that God is the source of all of our blessings. Yes, we get up, go out, and work to earn a living, but the Lord sustains us. He not only supplies us with what we need, He multiplies it. This is not a health and wealth gospel that is seen in nature. The sower sows seed in spring. A crop grows throughout the summer, and in autumn comes the harvest. The seed to produce more is within the harvest. All of this starts with God's creation. When we give, God returns blessing on the giver. We continually replenish our ability to give by our work.
Thanksgiving for Abundance
In recent months, we have been made aware of shortages in products within our nation. We also have felt the pinch on our pocketbooks due to the inflation that is affecting our economy. Right now would be a good time to be reminded of all that we have. When we reflect on all that God has done, the heart of thanksgiving is not isolated to a man-made holiday in November. It is an attitude that helps us to give sacrificially with faith. The psalmist wrote, “I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread. All the day long he dealeth graciously, and lendeth; And his seed is blessed (Psa 37:25-26).” As Jehovah continually gives, Paul urged the continued liberality in giving by the Corinthian Christians. Their giving would meet the needs of the poor Christians in Jerusalem and would cause thanksgiving to be given to God.
Christians today must remember that worship of God is the main purpose of our giving (1 Cor 6:2; 2 Cor 9:7). Our purpose must be for God to be glorified and never ourselves. We are but stewards of all that God has given us.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
