Intro: Today we celebrate Thanksgiving; a time to give thanks to God for His many blessings. As the early settlers in America bowed to thank God for an abundant harvest that sustained them even during the hardest of times, we should take time today to bow and thank the Lord for sustaining us, as well. To be filled with thanksgiving is to recognize the goodness of God.
Generosity is a big deal with God, because He is the Master of pure generosity. Therefore, the believer’s life should be marked by a generous Spirit. When we are generous, we are sharing the unselfish kindness of the Savior extended to us. In this greedy and selfish culture, followers of Christ should be magnanimous!
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds us about the spiritual principle of sowing and reaping; an attitude that leads us into ever-increasing generosity. True thanksgiving exudes an attitude of contentment for what God has provided. When we have a thankful spirit, we will look for ways to be generous to others with our time, talent, or treasure.
So today, thank God for his goodness toward you. Put a watch over your mouth, so you do not complain about anything; it dishonors God. Finally, be content with what you have been given and resist the temptation to compare yourself or your life with others. Sow the seeds of kindness and goodness into the lives of those around you and look for the harvest only God can bring. Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NLT
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity [righteousness] in you.
11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for your Spirit to make all of your children across the globe magnanimous in generosity. Thank you, Lord, for life and all you have provided to sustain us even during the hardest of times. Thank you for Jesus who came to save us and bring forgiveness of sin. Thank you for the work of your liberating Spirit who brings the truth to our souls and leads us in righteousness. Thank you for generously empowering us to be ministers of reconciliation, so others can experience the contentment in their souls only you can give. We give you thanks, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.