Underpinners of each other: service, obedience and generosity
by Jo Corney
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Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else (2 Corinthians 9:13).
Read 2 Corinthians 9:1–15
What comments do you find people make when they describe others? Sometimes it’s about their height, age, hair colour; sometimes it’s about a common connection; sometimes it’s about their attitudes and actions, like their generosity or lack thereof.
In verse 13 of this passage, Paul tells the Corinthians about how their generosity has been noticed. Their service was generously given. It was sincere, met real needs and got the attention of others. This made them known and led to others praising God and paying attention to the gospel.
How encouraging! Our faithful service and giving, acts of kindness, and offering what we can where we can in our church or community matter. This is not about works to gain favour in God’s eyes; however, these acts of service can be used by God to draw others to himself. We are not saved by our works, but these done in faith don’t point to us but to him. Our generosity can reflect God’s generosity to humankind. A quote attributed to Martin Luther is ‘God doesn’t need your good works, but your neighbour does’. This too prompts our service for the best and right reasons.
Fellow Christian, we won’t see all that our faithful efforts and service contribute and offer to the world; however, in this verse of 2 Corinthians, we can be encouraged to continue offering them as we see what Paul highlighted of the outcomes of the services of the Corinthian believers. Paul called this out as worthy of highlighting – it has encouraged believers through the centuries to continue serving others, and can offer this to us also. Christian faith and love expressed in service and action are powerful witnesses in God’s worldwide mission. I am encouraged to remember: ‘Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.’
Every blessing to you.
Gracious and loving God, thank you for the encouragement of your word. Thank you for enabling us to serve in your mission in this world. As we know your grace and love, please help us live so that others may experience this from you, too. Amen.
Jo is a wife and mum who serves in various roles in her local Lutheran church and also in chaplaincy as the assistant director of Chaplaincy and Ministry Development for Lutheran Services.
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