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Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15.

1. Pastor Mick told us that this passage is about Paul taking up a special
offering, \\u201cThe Collection,\\u201d for the Jerusalem church. Why was Paul
taking up this offering?

2. Why did Pastor Mick say this offering was very Wesleyan? (Hint:
connectionalism)

3. What is the difference between the \\u201ctithe\\u201d and \\u201cofferings\\u201d?

4. Pastor Mick said in the UMC, we often refer to special offerings as
\\u201c2nd Mile Giving.\\u201d What are some examples of such offerings here
at GLUMC? Are there other \\u201c2nd Mile Givings\\u201d that you participate
in above and beyond your tithe? How do you feel when you give to
these offerings?

5. What is the difference between having a scarcity mentality and an
abundance mentality? Is God a God of scarcity or abundance? How
should this affect our desire to give?

6. How do you understand the verse about sowing and reaping and
how does (should) that affect your desire to give generously and
even sacrificially?

7. What does Paul mean in verse 11 when he says, \\u201cthrough us your
generosity will result in thanksgiving to God\\u201d? Have you ever
thought of how your generosity could lead someone to Christ?

8. What does it mean to be a cheerful giver? What did you think about
the possible alternate translation as \\u201chilarious\\u201d? Would you like to
be a \\u201chilarious\\u201d giver?

Prayer of the Week:

God, we love you so much and we submit our lives to you anew this day.
We submit all that we have and all that we are to you. We invite you to
use us in whatever ways you desire. Help us to sow generously from the
bounty of blessings you have already provided. Multiply these blessings
in miraculous ways so that the harvest we reap is even more bountiful.
Fill our hearts with peace, love and joy as we choose to be cheerful
givers...hilarious givers, in the name of Jesus, through the power of the
Holy Spirit, to your great glory, Almighty God. Amen.