Abounding in grace

I wonder how many people reading the title of this post, “Abounding in grace,” immediately thought in terms of us receiving grace from God.

Certainly, that is a part of what I’m writing about today, but it’s only half.

Paul wrote,

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

I really like this verse. It first talks about how God is able to shower his grace upon us so that we’ll have all that we need.

But what is the purpose of his showering his grace upon us? His purpose is that we will abound in every good work, showering the grace we have received on others.

Paul quotes Psalm 112 where it says,

He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. (2 Corinthians 9:9)

Somehow, whenever I’ve read this passage, I’ve always associated it with Christ. I think I was confusing it with Ephesians 4:8 somehow.

But actually, the psalmist was talking about the righteous man and how generous he is.

He never fears the future because he trusts in the Lord, and that allows him to be as generous as he is, helping those in need and abounding in good works to those around him.

And that’s what Paul goes on to say in verses 10-11.

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

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 Corinthians 9:10-11)

In short, we can be confident that God will not only supply our needs, but will also increase what we have to the point that we can minister to others, being generous on every occasion.

The question is, “Do we trust God in that way?” I have to admit that I’m still learning to do so.

I want to be like that righteous man in Psalm 112, filled with the grace that God pours into my life, but not holding it in.

I want to be overflowing with the grace of God, touching those around me and blessing them, so that people may see it and glorify God.

How about you? Are you abounding in grace?