โThanks be to God for his indescribable gift!โ (2 Corinthians 9:15)
We take great care when selecting the perfect gift for that special person, but nothing compares with our Heavenly Fatherโs gift of his only Son to be โan atoning sacrifice for our sinโ (1 John 4:10). Praise God for his generous, sacrificial gift of salvation! Without Godโs generosity to us, we would be eternally lost and without hope. Paul responded to Godโs gift with this doxology of praise. How should you respond to the generosity of your donors? Gifts from your ministry partners accomplish four results.
Practical
Henry Ford said, โNothing happens until someone sells something.โ In ministry, nothing happens until someone gives something. Generosity starts a chain reaction of blessing. โThis service that you perform isโฆ supplying the needs of the Lordโs peopleโ (2 Cor. 9:12). Gifts solve real problems and enable you to serve others. With a balanced budget you can educate more students, feed more hungry people, and reach more people with the Gospel. More money means more ministry.
Personal
Your ministry benefits when donors give, their generosity also demonstrates the genuineness of their faith. โBecause of the service by which you have proved yourselvesโ (2 Cor. 9:13). Giving is an expression of โthe obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christโ (vs. 13). James warns us that faith without works is dead. โWhat good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, โGo in peace; keep warm and well fed,โ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?โ (James 2:14-16). Giving transforms mere talk into action.
Praise
Generous giving prompts โmany expressions of thanks to Godโ (vs. 12). Great news about a generous gift spreads like wildfire. โOthers will praise God forโฆ your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone elseโ (2 Cor. 9:13). Share with your donors how their gift is making an eternal difference and how your whole team is thanking God because of their generosity. Tell an impact story that would not have happened without their gift. Thank them for sharing with you and the other ministries they support.
Prayer
We are encouraged to pray for missionaries who are sharing the gospel throughout the world. Many donors donโt realize that those who benefit from their generosity are also praying for them. โAnd in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given youโ (vs. 14). The greatest way to thank your donors is to pray for them. Ask for their prayer requests, spend time praying for them, and follow up to hear how God has answered.
Think About This: So many great things happen when donors give generously. You have the privilege of asking your donors to partner with you to accomplish eternal work. This week thank your donors for their generous, sacrificial gifts to your ministry.
Response: Father, I am so thankful to you for our donors. Please help me express my gratefulness to my donors in ways that give you all the glory.


