Carry On | Lent Devotion Week 3
*printed copies available
Getting Started:
We all know someone who’s generous with their time, or someone who listens generously, or abundantly shares their money with worthy causes, or who uses their abilities generously for the good of others. What do you think of those people? How do they help you think about being generous in a new way? How can you choose to live like them?
Verse:
2 Corinthians 8:9-12
For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something— now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have.
Learn More:
In this, Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he continues to encourage them and help guide them as a faith community. He also wants to help them connect to the wider work of the church and community of faith. Knowing that many Corinthians are very wealthy, he invites them to take a collection that will be shared with the church in Jerusalem, which is in great need. He reminds them that this generosity is a part of our faith and work to carry on the work of Jesus Christ.
Reflect:
Last week, we talked about connecting with each other. How does generosity connect us? How do the gifts we share unite us?
Easter is generous in so many ways, whether with money, time, gifts, or abilities. Think of a time someone at Easter was generous to you. How did that feel?
Generosity will look different for everyone. It’s part of the joy of giving! What’s one way you can share that’s unique to who you are and how God made you?
One part of Easter’s guiding vision is “to be a beacon of hope to a new generation”. What can you share to make that happen? How can we work together to keep making that true?
Respond:
Every week, Easter shares opportunities to be generous. Sometimes that looks like sharing money to support our mission or respond to an urgent community need. Sometimes it’s volunteering to serve in worship or with confirmation. Sometimes it’s bringing cookies and bars for a funeral lunch. Easter people are constantly sharing in God’s goodness. Check out the Leaflet, website, and Facebook page for Easter. Pick one new thing that you can do to give to God’s mission at Easter. Tell someone you’re going to do it – have them hold you accountable!