Daily Dose of Hope

February 26, 2026

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9

Prayer: Holy God, We rejoice and give praise for the ways you care for us. We thank you for how you continue to forgive us and give us second and third chances. Help us seek lives characterized by your holiness. Help us seek pure hearts. Lord, in these next few moments of silence, hear our prayers and help us bring together all our scattered thoughts and focus on you...It's in your name we pray, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are currently walking through Paul's letters.

We are working our way through our fifth pastoral letter, 2 Corinthians.

Today's reading is 2 Corinthians 9. In this chapter, Paul is continuing his discussion on giving. Paul is trying to rouse some enthusiasm among the Corinthian believers on the topic of giving, specifically giving to the destitute believers in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Christians were experiencing a famine and possibly loss of their livelihood due to converting the Christianity. They were initially very interested and enthusiastic but apparently, they haven't followed through on their commitments.

Today's chapter leads to some interesting thoughts. You reap what you sow, not just with material resources but also in other ways. This idea is found throughout Scripture but most notably in Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:38, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

But it also suggests that giving is an individual decision of the heart. We don't give for public recognition but to please God and demonstrate his love to others. God doesn't want us to give out of a sense of obligation but truly out of a kind and generous heart. All we have comes from God, we are simply giving a portion back to God's work in this world. Finally, Paul is suggesting that when we give to God's work, we will be blessed. God will ensure that our needs are met. Notice Paul doesn't say that our wants will be fulfilled but rather our needs. We will have what we need to be content.

What does it take for you to be content? Do you give with a cheerful heart?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki