“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will that God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11 NLT)
Grateful people always seem to have enough. And when we have enough, we are happy to share. Gratitude produces generosity. Generosity produces gratitude in the recipient and then the recipient gives thanks. What a happy cycle!
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have ito enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and vision for tomorrow.” (Melanie Beattie)
This quote resonates with me because I have been practicing daily, intentional gratitude since 2014 and I have seen all of the aforementioned affects. Gratefulness is a transformative way of life that touches every day, every experience, every outcome.
We are called to be a grateful and generous people because we love and enjoy the graciousness of a grateful and generous God. He shared Himself with us: His image, His resources, His Son, His grace. He held nothing back from us and we reflect our Creator well when we say thanks and open our lives up to share with others. We multiply the Kingdom through gratitude and generosity.
We see this so accurately in Christ. He said thanks and broke the bread. He said thanks and offered His life. May we possess the courage to live in the same way.
“As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the good news of the gospel.” (2 Corinthians 9:13 NLT)
Lord, please help us live grateful and generous. We realize that in You we always have enough. We can give thanks and we can give away because You are our Source. May the gospel gain ground through our gratitude and giving. We want to reflect Your heart accurately. Amen.