Daily Devotional - A Time of Gratitude - WK46 - 11/12/24 - Day 296 "The Gift of Thanks"

Author: Evangelist Jamie Hoffman

“The Gift of Thanks”
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:15

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
 
Devotion:
Jesus’ entire life is an example of giving that exemplified the love and compassion that we should follow and show others. In our scripture today, Paul is summarizing for the people his appeal to give willingly and generously to those in need to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the end, Paul’s focus was not only on the gift of money that he wanted the Corinthians to collect for the Jerusalem believers, but it was also on God’s gift of life to all who were born again in Christ.

Sometimes we must meet the natural needs of people first, before we can focus on their spiritual needs. Matthew 25:35-36 states, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” It's easy to tell someone that God is a way maker, because He is. But, if they are hungry, they may receive that news better on a full stomach.

I will share a brief testimony. A few years ago, I told God, Lord, when I am blessed with wealth, I am really going to help those in need. God spoke to me, and said, “Why can’t you help them now?” Then it hit me, we don’t have to be rich to help someone or to do great charitable deeds. I had these grand ideas of being a blessing to people, but God let me know that it’s not how grand the deed is, it is the intent of the heart. Since then, I have allowed God to lead me in giving to those in need. As we prepare to celebrate this Thanksgiving season, what can we do to show Jesus’ love in action to those in need?

Prayer:
Lord, help us share Your love, grace, and compassion with others. Lord, guide us by Your spirit as we give to those who are in need. Amen.