Deo Soli Gloria (To God alone be the glory)

For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God’s people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God. And because of the proof which this service of yours brings, many will give glory to God for your loyalty to the gospel of Christ, which you profess, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else.         (verses 12,13)

Read 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Jesus had a very similar message, in the Sermon on the Mount, to the one Paul gives us here: ‘Your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 5:16). We don’t help people in order to draw attention to ourselves. This is neither our motive nor our purpose.

When we help others we do it because they have a need. In turn, they will be so grateful for what we have done and so well informed about why we help them, that there will be ‘an outpouring of gratitude to God’. Such an outpouring will not go unnoticed by others in the community. And so, like ripples from a stone dropped in a pool, God’s reputation as a loving and generous God is enhanced.

Although the gospel, of course, needs no humanly created credibility, it is heard more clearly and more eagerly as human beings live their faith. This is still true. As disbelief that there are still people who care changes to relief and gratitude, then God is praised. People learn that he, and what he bas done for us, is what makes us tick.

Father, may I always respond to your love in such a way that your name is truly glorified. Amen

by Robert Turnbull, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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