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You’ve doubtless heard the story of the atheist who wanted to prove to a poor old woman that God does not exist. He heard her praying for food, so he bought some food and put in on her porch. When she saw it she shouted, “Thank you Jesus.” He laughed at her and said, “God didn’t do that; I brought that food.” The old woman replied, “You might have brought it, but God sent it.” Thanksgiving to God is one of the outcomes the Apostle Paul said we can expect when we are generous to the needy. In urging Christians to give generously, Paul told them to expect thanksgiving going up to God from the people they helped. He also assured them that God would supply their own needs. Here is what he said in 2 Corinthians Chapter 9: “God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving – the needs of the believers will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.” That truth still stands: nobody will ever out-give God.
