“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11
I read a quote recently that said it well: “Contrary to the health and wealth gospel, God prospers us not to raise our standard of living, but to raise our standard of giving.”
That is a radical thought in our culture. We are surrounded by messages telling us that more is always better. More comfort. More upgrades. More for ourselves. But what if we saw financial blessing not as an invitation to spend, but as an opportunity to give?
Paul writes to the Corinthians and reminds them that God enriches us for a purpose—so we can be generous on every occasion. He does not bless us just so we can have more. He blesses us so that we can reflect His generosity and bring joy and thanksgiving into the lives of others.
And here is the amazing part. This is not about guilt. It is not about duty. It is about joy. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The word He used—makarios—means happy, deeply satisfied, full of joy. In other words, there is more happiness in giving than in keeping.
God is not trying to take from us. He is inviting us into something richer. He is giving to us in our giving. The path of generosity is not just the right way. It is the joyful way.
Lord, make us generous people in the daily choices of how we live. Let our giving be a reflection of your goodness and a source of joy for us and others.