In All Things

‘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.’ 2 Corinthians 9:8.

I love to read this verse in the Bible. In my translation, the word ‘all’ is used three times; My God is an ‘all-good’ God. Just suppose the verse read differently – ‘In most things, for a good percentage of people, you will have much of what you need..’ That’s not our God. We don’t have to think ‘I wonder if God will answer my prayer. I hope he’s in a good mood today.’ He’s not like a reluctant boss when we ask for a pay rise. Our God even loves to give good things to us and will only withhold when it is for our own good. A God who gave His only Son for our salvation is more than a generous self-giving God.

The Message translation puts it in different words using phrases such as ‘giving to the needy in reckless abandon,’ ‘His right-loving, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out.’ Whatever words are used, in whatever language, they are just not adequate to describe the love of God. But then comes the rub, ‘so that you can be generous in every way.’