You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Cor. 9:11)
DON’T YOU LOVE the smell of bread fresh from the oven? My hometown bakery advertised their breads were “enriched.” That means vitamins and minerals were added into the dough. You could smell the mouthwatering aroma of bread baking for miles away. Tourists and locals alike would line up by the droves to get a free sample fresh out of the oven with a generous slap of butter melting on top. The bakery also had a “day-old store” that discounted the baked goods for the poor. Their two-day-old breads, muffins, and rolls were donated to shelters.
That bakery in my home town took 2 Corinthians 9 seriously. They sowed bountifully as they fed thousands. In return, God blessed that business, its workers, and its board members for decades, even through harsh economic times. Not only was their bread enriched, but the community was enriched by their generosity.
Jesus is the Bread of Life. We are the ones who are to be the aroma that draws others to Him. We are enriched by His love. In thanksgiving for all God has done for us, our response should be to reach out to feed those souls that are hungry for love, righteousness, and mercy. Will we?
Generously offer Christ to the hungry. The rewards are beyond this world.
Julie B. Cosgrove is a widowed Christian author and speaker who lives in Fort Worth, Texas. She is involved with women’s and outreach ministries.
