Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life--Tuesday, March 20

2 Corinthians 9:6-12

⁶The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. ⁹As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." ¹⁰He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; ¹²for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.

2 Corinthians 9:6-12

How do we see the face of God in our congregation in this scripture passage?

God loves a cheerful giver and a grateful heart is the secret of a truly generous spirit. It has been our experience that Christ The King Lutheran Church always responds freely and with abundant generosity when there is a need.  Several years ago, there was an appeal to raise the money to replace the air conditioning unit in the fellowship hall.  CTK'ers gave abundantly!  Last year when it was apparent that we were very far behind in our budget, CTK'ers gave abundantly!  Each year at this time we designate a beneficiary of our Lenten denial offerings.  Year after year CTK'ers have given abundantly to these worthy recipients.  Throughout the year we give turkeys, toiletries, non-perishable food items, and even our own blood.  We give locally, nationally, and internationally.  We willingly give of our time, our talent and our treasure whenever needed or requested.  Our giving is not motivated by guilt or a sense of obligation.  Instead, it is our response to the love that God shows us so abundantly.  It is this generosity, given freely, that enables others to see God through us.  Being grateful at heart and generous of spirit is a choice. The congregation at Christ the King has made that choice and that is the joy felt every Sunday when we gather together for worship.

Paul & Cindy Falkey

For reflection:

How is your faith transformed by your giving?

What is an example in which you were enriched by your great generosity?  Be specific.

Think of the person or people who have modeled the joy of giving for you, and the ways in which that modeling has happened…and offer a prayer of thanks for their powerful witness.