Abounding in Every Good Work

God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 

(2 Corinthians 9:8)

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Paul likens generosity to sowing and reaping. A farmer who sows little reaps little, but one who sows generously reaps abundantly. Likewise, when we give freely, we open ourselves to God’s abundant provision. Generosity is not a loss but an investment in God’s kingdom, where His grace supplies all we need.

Many hesitate to give generously because they worry about having enough left to meet their own needs. Paul reassures the Corinthians that God is able to provide for them. Giving is an act of trust in God’s sufficiency. “The person who gives only a little will receive only a little in return”—not necessarily in material wealth but in the richness of God’s blessings (2 Corinthians 9:6). When we give with faith, we experience His abundant provision.

Mother Teresa lived out this truth through her selfless service to the poor and dying. She had no personal wealth, yet she never hesitated to give her time, love, and resources to those in need. She once said, “Give, but give until it hurts.” Her faith in God’s provision allowed her to serve with complete trust, knowing that He would provide for her mission. She did not hoard resources but became a channel of God’s generosity, showing that true wealth is found in selfless love and service.

In her, we see something of the beauty of Jesus. The Greek word for ‘beauty’ (kalos) is the same word used to describe everything Jesus did (Mark 7:37). He possessed a deeper, more profound beauty—the beauty of holiness. Mother Teresa reflected this same beauty in her life of humility, compassion, and sacrificial love. Her wrinkled hands, worn from years of serving the destitute, radiated the kind of beauty that comes from a heart fully surrendered to Christ. She embodied what it means to abound in every good work, revealing the presence and love of Jesus through acts of mercy. Like Him, she found her joy in giving, and through her, the beauty of holiness shone brightly to the world.

William Barclay reminds us, “We are channels through whom God’s generosity flows, not reservoirs that hoard it.” Trusting in His abundance allows us to give with open hands, knowing we are sustained by His grace.

Alexander Maclaren beautifully states, “The measure of God’s giving is Himself.” His provision extends beyond material needs—it includes grace, strength, wisdom, and spiritual riches. Because He is limitless, we will never lack what is truly necessary.

Charles Spurgeon affirms, “Faith’s way of walking is to feel the all-sufficiency of God, and then to act upon that conviction.” Don’t let fear hold you back from giving cheerfully and generously. When we trust in God’s abundant grace, we will find that His provision never runs dry.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your abundant grace. Help me trust in Your provision and live as a channel of Your generosity. Remove any fear that keeps me from giving cheerfully. Teach me to abound in good works, glorifying You in all I do. Amen.