Excel at Giving – November 13, 2024

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:7

Excel at Giving

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What does it mean to excel? It means to have success, to be good at something. For example, what helps someone excel at being a piano player? A good teacher, practice, goals, a love for music, devotion to the task, and talent all help. What does someone need to be a good soccer player? Practice, ball skills, speed, dedication, and love for the sport are all important.

In our Bible reading today, the apostle Paul urges us to excel in giving to others. Why would we want to be good at giving to others? Isn’t the best part of birthdays and Christmas that we receive gifts? Actually, there’s something better. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

That is what Paul means by the “grace of giving.” God has given us the grace and gift of giving back to others. And to excel at something means you have a good reason to do it. Paul gave the Corinthians that reason: Jesus.

Jesus is incredibly rich. All the heavenly glories are his. Yet, he became poor for us. He was born in a barn, didn’t have much for an earthly home, and gave up everything, even his life on the cross, to give us forgiveness and heaven. What a gift! When you receive a great gift from someone, what’s the first thing you want to do? Thank them, possibly by giving back a gift of your own!

A group in Mizoram, India, started doing that very thing. Back in 1910, the women of Mizoram would save a handful of rice from every meal and give it to the church, which helped the church grow. Today, this tradition continues. The generosity extends beyond the rice. They give fruits, vegetables, and other items that further the mission. Today, in Mizoram, over 95% of the people are Christians, and the churches are growing and self-supporting. Their generosity leads others to Jesus!

Jesus’ act of love on the cross is why Christians excel in generosity. In Jesus, we are so blessed that giving back to others becomes second nature. It’s what we naturally want to do to thank God for his great gift of grace.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life for me. Help me to live for you each and every day. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What is one way that Jesus has shown love to you?
• We show love for Jesus by loving others. What is something that you can do for someone else today?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name three spiritual gifts that God has given you. Give one way you might use each.
• How does knowing God’s grace motivate us to be generous?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• In your own words, explain what Paul meant when he says that God has given you the “grace of giving?”
• What are some things that make it difficult to follow Paul’s instructions in today’s devotion