“Godly people give generously to the poor …they will break out in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:9,11). 

Did you know that by giving generously you become a lead worshipper causing others to worship God? Paul teaches that our generosity proves our obedience to the gospel (v. 13). Cheerful giving (v. 7) shows that we love to obey Christ’s greatest commands: love God and your neighbor. Giving generously is the perfect way to do this. It not only blesses the person who receives your gift, but it also blesses your heart, and God’s as well.

Why should we give? Giving generously is our act of love and worship to express our gratitude to God for giving us His Son (v. 15). In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus said that whatever we do for the “very least of these” we do for Him (Matt 25:31-46). Every time we give generously to those in need, we are also giving in worship to the Lord Jesus.

Who should we give to? Paul says that God will give us many opportunities to do good (v. 10); we just need a willing heart to recognize them. The example of 2 Corinthians 9 is the poor Christians in Jerusalem. There are many in need even in our church. Keep your eyes open.

What are the results? God is glorified through your generosity (v. 13). Those that receive your gifts will break out in thanksgiving to God (v. 11), they will joyfully express their thanksgiving to God (v. 12). You become a worship leader through giving. When they see your worship of God through your act of giving, they will respond by worshipping God through thanksgiving. So by proving your obedience to the gospel through giving you have also led someone into worship.

Jesus Christ is our most precious example of a worship leader through giving. His gift was Himself. Though He was God, he became human. He suffered and died for our sins. Then He rose from the dead to lead the way for us to receive eternal life. Because of His obedience, because of this incomprehensibly generous act of worship to the Father, we have received grace. When we realize the enormity of His gift to us, we cannot help but fall to our knees in gratitude and “break out” in thanksgiving to God. Let us be like Jesus and worship God through our giving that others may joyfully express their thanksgiving to God.

Lord, change my heart. Fill it with joy and passion to obey Your commands to love my neighbors. Give me love and compassion for them. Give me your heart for them. Whatever I have is from You; it is Yours. Give me eyes to perceive the many opportunities You give me to do good. And then give me a willing heart to obey You to give generously. Lord, I long to see You receive the glory. I long to see many break out in thanksgiving and worship. Make me a worship leader through giving. Glory to God!