Today we read 2 Corinthians 9. Paul urges the Corinthians to go with the flow of God’s self-giving in Christ by giving themselves to others, so that the downward and outward movement of grace comes full circle in an ascending symphony of thanksgiving. Seeing things in an earthly, me-first way is miserly and petty. Instead, we should open our hands to receive from God and extend them to give to our neighbor. We marvel that in Jesus it is always more and never less and rejoice that God’s gifts multiply as we receive and share them. • Lord, open and widen our narrow hearts to You, to Your children, and to all. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10074). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 2 Corinthians 8. As Paul leads a great money-gathering effort, he takes care that clergy and laity work together to ensure that the Church’s financial dealings are untainted by scandal. In our churches, we should honor those who undertake such tasks. Thanks be to God for His gift of willing servants, who distribute the life-giving Gospel in all their service in Christ. • Lord, teach us to manage Your Church’s earthly resources for Your glory and the advancement of Your mission. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 10070-10071). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 2 Corinthians 7. Paul shares the ups and downs of ministry and his great joy in hearing that the Corinthians’ faith in Christ was solid again. We Christians are often guilty of hoarding Christ’s great love, rather than making room in our hearts for others (see verse 2). God has loved us with an everlasting love through Jesus Christ. To open up our hearts to others, to let them know of Christ’s love, is to experience again the joy of that great love of God for all. • Lord, teach us daily how great, how long, how wide, and how deep is Your love for us and for every person in this world. And teach us the joy of seeing others come to faith. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10066). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 2 Corinthians 6. Our relationship with Jesus is intimate because we, as believers, are “the temple of the living God” (verse 16). Our faith calls us to break from those things that would compromise our life with Jesus. The good news is that God’s promises are sure even when we are unfaithful. God calls us to claim the promises of His gracious presence again and again through repentance and forgiveness. • Lord, give me the confidence to trust in You more boldly and to separate from the things of the world that would jeopardize my faith. May it be even more apparent that I belong to You alone. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10064). (Function). Kindle Edition.