On our wedding anniversary, my husband, Alan, gives me a large bouquet of fresh flowers. When he lost his job during a corporate restructure, I didn’t expect this extravagant display of devotion to continue. But on our nineteenth anniversary, the color-splashed blossoms greeted me from their spot on our dining room table. Because he valued continuing this annual tradition, Alan saved some money each month to ensure he’d have enough for this personal show of affection.

每逢结婚纪念日，丈夫阿伦就会送我一大束鲜花。当他因公司重组而被解雇时，我以为他应该不会如此奢侈地传情达意。没想到在我们结婚十九周年纪念日当天，一束色彩艳丽的鲜花在餐桌上迎接我。原来阿伦为了要延续这项传统，每个月都会存点钱，以便能继续用这样的方式来表达他的情意。

My husband’s careful planning exhibited exuberant generosity, similar to what Paul encouraged when he addressed the Corinthian believers. The apostle complimented the church for their intentional and enthusiastic offerings (2 Corinthians 9:2, 5), reminding them that God delights in generous and cheerful givers (vv. 6–7). After all, no one gives more than our loving Provider, who’s always ready to supply all we need (vv. 8–10).

我丈夫的仔细规划展现出他的慷慨大方，而使徒保罗鼓励哥林多教会积极去行的便是类似这样的慷慨。保罗赞许他们立志奉献的心（哥林多后书9章2、5节），并提醒他们，上帝喜悦慷慨乐意的付出（6-7节）。毕竟，我们再怎么付出，都不会超过那位慈爱供应我们的上帝，祂总是预备供应我们一切所需（8-10节）。

We can be generous in all kinds of giving, caring for one another because the Lord meets all of our material, emotional, and spiritual needs (v. 11). As we give, we can express our gratitude for all God has given us. We can even motivate others to praise the Lord and give from all God has given them (vv. 12–13). Openhanded giving, a lavish expression of love and gratitude, can demonstrate our confidence in God’s provision for all His people.

我们都可以慷慨待人，不拘是什么方式，馈赠、施舍或是关怀，因为上帝满足我们所有物质上、情感上及灵里的需要（11节）。当我们给予，便是对上帝的赐予表达感谢。我们更可藉此激励别人赞美上帝，并促使他们愿意与人分享上帝的赐予（12-13节）。慷慨地付出就是大方地表达爱与感谢，也展现了我们对上帝的信心，相信祂必会供应祂所有的子民。

Lord, please help us trust Your abundant love and generosity, so we can give to others as You so faithfully give to us.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 NIV

9 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

INSIGHT

灵粮透视