Giving blossoms (2 Cor 9:10-15)
The stingy church at Corinth became the model church for giving. This passage is a gift to us so that we might come to a robust understanding of the power of giving. We may feel moved to give simply because of a need. There is more at stake. The need creates an opportunity to put into motion an action that can blossom into thanksgiving (11). The action of giving can do something profound to the giver, it can change their character. Paul says the giver will be “enriched in every way to be generous in every way” and this will provoke others to “produce thanksgivings to God” (11). That blossom can grow into glory (13). Others will “approve,” notice an unusual willingness to give, and begin to see and connect generosity with the gospel (13). They may wonder why someone would give when so many choose selfishness. There really is no good explanation for generosity other than the grace of God. Even unbelievers will be moved to consider the possibility that God is good and God is real. It could even be that an unbeliever will begin to see the possibility that selfless giving is a reflection of God who gives himself because he loves (John 3:16). Giving may start with a need but can blossom into spiritual formation, character enrichment, thanksgiving, glory, validation of the gospel, and a powerful witness to the reality of God. See 2 Cor 9:10-15.
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