Living Thanks

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
 
            We often think of gratitude as a simple reaction, like saying "Thank you" after receiving a gift. But for followers of Jesus, gratitude is much more than that. It is a driving force that moves us to act in the world. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, especially chapter 9, we see a guide for what it means to live out our thanks. Paul is not just talking about passing the collection plate; he describes a community shaped by grace, where our gratitude inspires us to serve others.

            Paul uses a farming image that his original audience would have understood well. He says, "the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." Today, it’s easy to think this means if we give money, God will give us more in return. But as United Methodists, we see it differently. We give because we have already received so much. The "harvest" Paul talks about is not about money, but about growing in goodness, loving others, and joining in God’s work. When we give generously—whether it’s kindness, mercy, or resources—we find deeper connections and see God at work in our lives.

            This kind of giving needs a certain attitude. Paul says, "God loves a cheerful giver." The Greek word for "cheerful" is hilaros, which is where we get the word "hilarious." It means giving with joy, not because we have to. In our tradition, we believe that grace gives us the freedom to choose. God doesn’t want us to give out of guilt, but as a way to celebrate what He has given us. When we decide to give, we show that our trust is in God, not in what we have saved up.

            Our trust is based on God’s promise to give us enough so we can share with others. This is what it means to live out our thanks: we are blessed so we can bless others. In the Wesleyan tradition, we know our blessings are tied to the well-being of our community. Paul says God gives us both "seed for the sower and bread for food." We need to be wise—enjoy the bread, but plant the seed. If we use up everything for ourselves, the cycle of grace stops. But if we give generously, the blessings grow, and we can welcome more people instead of shutting them out.

            Paul says that giving like this is a "confession of the gospel of Christ." How can writing a check or volunteering show our faith? It’s because our actions make God’s love real to others. When we serve and give, we show that the Gospel has changed us and that we trust Christ more than our possessions. As United Methodists, our shared giving—whether it’s helping through UMCOR, supporting shelters, or funding missions—shows our obedience to God. This kind of generosity meets real needs and leads others to thank God, even if we never meet them.
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            Paul finishes by pointing to the true source, saying, "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" This is why we do what we do. The "indescribable gift" is Jesus Christ—God’s greatest act of generosity. God gave His only Son freely and with love. Our "Living Thanks" is a way to reflect that gift. As we go through this season, let’s look at our hearts and ask if we are giving out of fear or faith. Let’s move past just saying "thanks" and live out our gratitude by giving, serving, and loving, so that others may thank God because of us.