Connect 2 Corinthians 9:5 with Proverbs 11:25 on the blessings of generosity. Setting the Stage Generosity is more than a nice idea; Scripture presents it as an avenue for God’s blessing to flow both to others and back to the giver. Two verses capture this beautifully: • 2 Corinthians 9:5 – “So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and complete the collection for the saints; then your gift will be ready as a blessing and not as an extortion.” • Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” “A Blessing and Not an Extortion” (2 Corinthians 9:5) Paul urges the Corinthian church to prepare their offering beforehand so: • Their giving remains voluntary, not pressured. • The gift is viewed as a “blessing” (literally “a good gift”) rather than something wrung out of reluctant hearts. • The focus stays on serving “the saints,” not on spotlighting the donors. “Refreshed” by Refreshing Others (Proverbs 11:25) Solomon’s proverb unfolds a timeless principle: • Generosity produces prosperity—not merely material, but spiritual and relational well-being. • “He who refreshes others” is promised personal refreshment, hinting at God’s built-in reciprocity. The Thread That Binds Them 1. Prepared, cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:5) lines up perfectly with the promise of reciprocal blessing (Proverbs 11:25). 2. Both texts insist that the motive matters; God rejoices in hearts eager to bless, not reluctant to part with possessions. 3. The outcome is twofold: needs are met, and givers are strengthened. How God Measures Generosity Scripture consistently links generosity to the heart rather than the amount: • 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” • Mark 12:43-44 – Jesus commends the widow’s two small coins because she “put in all she had to live on.” • 1 Samuel 16:7 – “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Promises God Attaches to Giving • Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over…” • Malachi 3:10 – “Test Me in this… and see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.” • Proverbs 19:17 – “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” • 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times… you will abound in every good work.” Living It Out Today • Set giving aside first, not last. A planned gift mirrors Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians. • Look for people you can “refresh” this week—financially, practically, or with time and encouragement. • Expect God’s blessing, not as a vending-machine transaction, but as His faithful response to obedience. • Keep generosity quiet when possible, remembering Jesus’ counsel in Matthew 6:3-4. • Track God’s faithfulness; testimonies fuel further generosity. Scriptures That Echo the Theme • Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” • Isaiah 58:10-11 – When you “extend your soul to the hungry… the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your soul in drought.” • Philippians 4:17-19 – Paul desires “the fruit that increases to your credit,” then promises, “My God will supply all your needs.” Prepared, cheerful generosity transforms a collection into a blessing (2 Corinthians 9:5) and turns the generous soul into one perpetually refreshed (Proverbs 11:25). God’s Word invites us to step into that cycle of giving—and watch Him keep every promise attached to it. |
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