Abundantly Generous
Opening Prayer
Pray now and thank God that he is both generous and righteous in all his dealings with you.
Read Romans 1:14-17
[14] I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. [15] That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. [16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. [17] For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed-a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What does Paul say about the Gospel here?I enjoy choosing gifts for people. But the rules of gift-giving are tricky. Many people feel embarrassed by too much generosity, so I often have to curb my gift-giving enthusiasm! Thank goodness God doesn’t think like that! Paul’s obligations (14-16) are huge because God has entrusted him with such wonderful good news for so many peoples. God has given out of his abundance a salvation open to all of us! This gift of salvation has all to do with the giver rather than the merits of the recipient, for this salvation is all about the righteousness of God. It is God being righteous. God is life-giving, faithful, just, loving and true to his character. The righteous character of God is recognized (17a) as God fulfills his covenantal promise to Abraham (Gen. 17:1-8) of righteousness by faith for his descendants. It is God giving us his righteousness. When we receive the gift of God’s Son, God freely gives on us a righteous status. It is a generous gift we don’t deserve, but we claim by faith (17b).
Apply
What would your life be like without God’s generosity? Praise God for the amazing, undeserved gift of his grace.
Closing prayer
Heavenly Father, what a wonderful God You are. You’re so generous and gracious. I bow in worship before You.
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