Subscription Lists

Relevant Reflections

    by Rebecca Livermore

Abound in Giving, Also
Date Posted: May 16, 2007

But as you abound in everything -- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us -- see that you abound in this grace also (2 Corinthians 8:7 NKJV).

Consider the impressive list of areas in which the Corinthians were abounding:

I would love to have such a list like that describe me! But when I look at the list, I find that I fall short. For instance, do I abound in faith? Well, I have some faith. Speech? A little. Knowledge? I'm still growing. . . Diligence? Not always. Love for others? Some of the time.

I'm not sure that I could say that I abound in any of those things, but even if I did, there would still be room for growth. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to abound in "in this grace also." From reading the preceeding verses (2 Corinthians 8:1-6) we can see that the grace Paul was referring to pertained to the area of giving. It wasn't enough for the Corinthians to do all of the things they were already doing well; something was lacking -- their generosity toward others.

It's easy to look at our lives and feel content in where we our in our walk with God. Sometimes we can even feel quite proud of our accomplishments, and perhaps even have a smug sense of being better than others.

I don't think the point of this passage of Scripture is to guilt us into "doing more" out of a sense of duty, obligation, or fear. I believe it is more of a reminder not to become comfortable where we are in our walk with God. There are always areas to consider, ways we need to grow, disciplines we're possibly neglecting, or perhaps things in our hearts that aren't quite right.

Will we ever do everything perfectly while we're here on this earth? No, there will always be room for growth. But rather than make a long list of things you need to do, listen to the Lord and follow His agenda for your life. What are the areas in your life you need to focus on? The best way to find out is not to compare yourself with others, but rather to slow down a bit and allow the Lord to speak into your life regarding areas that need attention. One of the best ways to do that is to spend time daily in the Word. Read, pray, and listen to the still small voice of God, and you, too, will be one who abounds in the things God has called you to.

Father, we pray that You will help us to abound in every good thing. Help us not to get caught up in comparing ourselves with others, or in trying to be good enough. Help us also to avoid complacency and a sense of superiority. Draw us to Your Word and drive us to our knees so that we will hear and know Your will and plan for us each and every day. Amen.

Thought: Spend some time writing in your journal about the areas you abound in, and areas that need some attention. If you don't like to journal, spend some time in prayer on this subject.

Click here to read more of Rebecca's articles.



"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 24, 2010)

Read Article »
Biography Information:
Rebecca Livermore is a speaker and freelance writer from Denver, Colorado. Her passion is helping people grow spiritually. To learn more about her ministry, and to read her articles on spiritual disciplines, visit http://www.rebeccalivermore.com.