Giving Until it Heals (Guest Speaker: Colin Saxton)
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Colin Saxton belongs to North Valley Friends in Newberg, OR. He and Janine are the parents of four grown children and two grandchildren. After working for Quaker organizations most of his adult life, Colin now serves as the Stewardship Theologian for Everence. Additionally, he teaches as an adjunct instructor through the Lake Institute/Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and recently joined the North Valley Friends pastoral team in a part-time role.
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NRSV):
6 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 9 As it is written,
“He scatters abroad; he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us, 12 for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. 13 Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your partnership with them and with all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Queries:
How is this community called to partner in Tikkun Olam?
What might hilarious generosity look like?
How am I called to invest in the life of this followship?
What else is the Spirit saying to me in the silence?