Giving Together Is Better
Generosity is one of the key characteristics of the early church, as seen in Acts 2. Making disciple-makers for too many generations to count requires us to ask ourselves: Who are we becoming?
Followers of Jesus are always on the journey of becoming more and more like Him! Paul reminds the church in Corinth, and us today, of what it means to partner with Jesus in generosity.
We give together so people know Jesus. Unity is what happens when something larger than our differences brings us together. It makes something new of us and does things through us.
2 Corinthians 9:7 states "You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ' For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.'" Although giving together is always better, we each get to take a personal step on this communal journey.
We trust God, not money. 2 Corinthians 9:8 reminds us of God's promise: "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." Jesus invites us to take a step of faith in His direction, trusting Him more than ever.
God owns everything, we manage some of it. 2 Corinthians 9:10 reminds us that "For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and the bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you."
Because of what Jesus did in the cross, we get to partner with Him to help spread the Good News. But, we can't forget that everything comes through Jesus and he entrusts us to steward what is His.
DIVE DEEPER
When you take a step in faith, you're taking on a writer's advance for the story God will write in your life and in the lives of those around you before you get to experience it. Trusting God to do something amazing through your partnership with Him takes courage, and the story God will write one day will be one to remember.
Canyon Ridge is embarking on a two-year transformative journey this fall called Going Together. You’re invited to be a part of it! Find out more by watching this video.