2026 Jan 04 – Morning Sermon Reflections: God’s Overflowing Grace
Persuaded by Grace to Share
After listening to today’s morning sermon, I found myself lingering on a simple phrase we often say without thinking: “Sharing is caring.” I’ve heard it since childhood, and I’ve probably said it myself—sometimes to children, sometimes silently to my own heart. Yet today, that phrase was lovingly unsettled.
The sermon reminded me that sharing is not automatically caring. Sometimes it can even overlook the feelings and needs of the one being asked to give. That insight opened a deeper question for me: When I share, am I responding to grace—or to pressure?
Paul’s approach in 2 Corinthians 8–9 is striking. He does not command. He does not guilt. He does not manipulate. Instead, he persuades—by telling stories of grace. He points to the Macedonian churches, who gave joyfully in the midst of affliction and poverty. Their generosity did not come from abundance, but from hearts shaped by God’s grace. That challenges my assumption that generosity depends on having “enough.”
What stood out most is that Paul consistently calls this act of giving an “act of grace.” Sharing resources is not first about money, time, or food—it is about grace overflowing. Grace received becomes grace extended.
I was also moved by the reminder that grace cannot be commanded. In a world of on-demand everything, this feels countercultural. God is not looking for reluctant compliance but joyful participation. Not forced generosity, but cheerful giving that reflects His own heart. God loves a cheerful giver because God Himself is a cheerful giver.
The story of Margie made this deeply personal. Her generosity was not impressive because of its size, but because of its sacrifice and joy. She reminds me that spiritual formation often happens quietly, in ordinary homes, through simple meals and open hands.
Ultimately, the sermon led me back to Jesus. “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor.” This is the wellspring of all Christian generosity. Jesus did not give out of obligation. He gave Himself. He shared everything—even His life—so that I might become rich in forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope.
As I reflect, I am asking myself:
Where is God inviting me to share—not out of pressure, but out of grace?
What resources has God entrusted to me for the good of others?
How can my care group become a place where grace flows freely and joyfully?
This week, I don’t feel commanded to give. I feel persuaded—by grace. And I pray that God’s overflowing grace to me will shape my heart to overflow in generosity toward others.
Lord, form in me a heart that reflects Your generous grace. Amen.
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