2 Corinthians 8 - CEVUS06 & KBTP

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come The old has gone, the new is here!

When Jesus rose from the dead, He didn’t just conquer sin and death. He also opened the door for us to live in a brand-new identity. We’re not who we used to be. We’ve been transformed, set apart, and empowered to live differently. Yet, in a world that constantly tries to define us, we need to be reminded of who God says we are.

Day 1: A New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Reflection:
You are not your past. You are not your failures, your mistakes, or even your greatest accomplishments. In Christ, you’ve been made new. The resurrection means that your old life is buried, and what rises with Him is a redeemed you.

Day 2: Chosen and Royal

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”

Reflection:
You’re not invisible. God chose you. You have access to His presence like a royal priest, and He calls you His own. This isn’t based on how good you are, but on how gracious He is.

Day 3: Child of God

John 1:12 (NIV)
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Reflection:
The resurrection isn’t just an event, it’s the doorway to a relationship. You’re not just a believer, you’re a beloved child. You have a Father who delights in you.

Day 4: God’s Masterpiece

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…”

Reflection:
You were handcrafted by God, not mass-produced by the world. You were created for purpose, unique, intentional, and beautifully equipped to reflect His glory.

Day 5: Free and Forgiven

Romans 8:1 (NIV)
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection:
Shame is no longer your name. Condemnation no longer fits you. You’ve been forgiven, not because of your perfection, but because of His resurrection. Walk in freedom.

Day 6: Ambassador of Christ

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

Reflection:
Your identity comes with a mission. You represent heaven on earth. In how you love, speak, and serve, you’re carrying His message to a world in need.

Day 7: Victorious in Christ

Romans 8:37 (NIV)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Reflection:
Because He rose, you rise too, not just to survive, but to overcome. You’re not a victim of your circumstances. In Christ, you’re victorious. Always.

Conclusion

You may forget who you are at times. Life may try to define you by your lowest moments. But God sees you through the lens of His Son, risen, redeemed, and radiant. When we know who we are in Christ, we begin to live like it. And when we live like it, the world sees Him in us.

In a world that often values splendour and abundance, the Bible reminds us that even the smallest gifts can have a profound impact. God’s kingdom operates differently from the world’s standards, showing us that it is not the size of the gift that matters, but the heart behind it. Here are seven Bible verses that illustrate the transformative power of small yet significant acts of giving.

1. The Widow’s Offering

“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44)

The widow’s two small coins seemed insignificant compared to the large sums others gave, yet Jesus celebrated her gift because it came from her heart and her trust in God. Despite her poverty, she gave all she had, demonstrating an unwavering faith in God’s provision. This story teaches us that the value of a gift is not measured by its size but by the sacrifice and faith it represents. Her act challenges us to consider what we’re willing to give, even when it feels like we have little to offer.

2. The Boy with Loaves and Fish

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9)

A young boy offered his small and inadequate lunch to Jesus, and it became the catalyst for one of the greatest miracles, feeding over five thousand people. His offering was small and ordinary, yet in Jesus’ hands, it became extraordinary. This story reminds us that God can take what little we have and multiply it beyond our imagination when we give with an open heart. The boy’s willingness to share what he had shows us the importance of trusting God to use our contributions for His glory.

3. A Cup of Water

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

A simple act of kindness, like offering water, does not go unnoticed in God’s eyes. Jesus emphasizes that even the smallest gesture, done with love and for His sake, carries eternal significance. Small gestures of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life and are cherished by God. This verse inspires us to recognize the value of everyday acts of kindness and how they reflect God’s love to those around us.

4. Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed

“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

This verse reminds us that even the smallest contributions, when paired with faith, can achieve monumental results. Just as a mustard seed grows into a mighty tree, small acts of giving can create ripples of change. It’s not about the magnitude of what we bring, but the faith with which we bring it. When we trust God, even the smallest step can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

5. The Generosity of the Macedonians

“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)

The Macedonian believers gave generously despite their poverty, demonstrating that generosity is not about wealth but about a willing heart. Their joy in giving came not from abundance but from their love for God and others. They saw giving as a privilege rather than a burden. Their example encourages us to give cheerfully, no matter our circumstances, trusting that our contributions, however small, can make a meaningful difference.

6. The Woman Who Anointed Jesus

“She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” (Mark 14:8)

The woman who anointed Jesus with perfume gave what she had, and her act of devotion was celebrated by Jesus. Though her gift may have seemed small in the world’s eyes, it carried eternal significance. Her act of love and sacrifice demonstrates that giving is not always about meeting physical needs but can also be an expression of worship and honor. This story challenges us to consider how our gifts reflect our love for Christ.

7. The Power of Partnership

“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4)

This verse highlights the collective power of small contributions. The Macedonians gave beyond their ability, showing that sacrificial giving often comes from a deep desire to serve. When we come together to give, even small gifts can combine to create a big impact, supporting God’s work in powerful ways. Their story reminds us that generosity is not limited by our resources but by the willingness of our hearts.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches us that small gifts, when given with a pure heart and faith, can have a big impact. Whether it’s a widow’s coins, a boy’s lunch, or a cup of water, God sees and honors every act of generosity. These stories remind us that in God’s hands, no gift is too small. This Christmas, let’s be inspired to give what we have—no matter how small—and trust that God will use it for His glory and the good of others. Even the smallest gift can be a seed for miracles in God’s hands.

Generous Giving

Small Gifts, Big Impact

1 My friends, we want you to know that the churches in Macedonia have shown others God's gift of undeserved grace. 2 Although they were going through hard times and were very poor, they were glad to give generously. 3

They gave as much as they could afford and even more, simply because they wanted to. 4 They even asked and begged us to let them have the joy of giving their money for God's people. 5 And they did more than we had hoped. They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, just as God wanted them to do.

6 Titus was the one who got you started doing this good thing, so we begged him to help you finish what you had begun. 7 You do everything better than anyone else. You have stronger faith. You speak better and know more. You are eager to give, and you love us better. Now you must give more generously than anyone else.

8 I am not ordering you to do this. I am simply testing how real your love is by comparing it with the concern that others have shown. 9 You know our Lord Jesus Christ treated us with undeserved grace by giving up all his riches, so you could become rich.

10 A year ago you were the first ones to give, and you gave because you wanted to. So listen to my advice. 11 I think you should finish what you started. If you give according to what you have, you will prove you are as eager to give as you were to think about giving. 12 It doesn't matter how much you have. What matters is how much you are willing to give from what you have.

13 I am not trying to make life easier for others by making life harder for you. But it is only fair 14 for you to share with them when you have so much, and they have so little. Later, when they have more than enough, and you are in need, they can share with you. Then everyone will have a fair share, 15 just as the Scriptures say,

“Those who gathered

too much

had nothing left.

Those who gathered

only a little

had all they needed.”

Titus and His Friends

16 I am grateful that God made Titus care as much about you as we do. 17 When we begged Titus to visit you, he said he would. He wanted to because he cared so much for you. 18 With Titus we are also sending one of the Lord's followers who is well known in every church for spreading the good news. 19 The churches chose this follower to travel with us while we carry this gift that will bring praise to the Lord and show how much we hope to help. 20 We don't want anyone to find fault with the way we handle your generous gift. 21 But we want to do what pleases the Lord and what people think is right.

22 We are also sending someone else with Titus and the other follower. We approve of this man. In fact, he has already shown us many times that he wants to help. And now he wants to help even more than ever, because he trusts you so much. 23 Titus is my partner, who works with me to serve you. The other two followers are sent by the churches, and they bring honor to Christ. 24 Treat them in such a way that the churches will see your love and will know why we bragged about you.

Kupa kwe Tjikirisiti

1 Toshaka kuti muzibe, zwikamu, ngekwe ngoni dze Ndzimu idzo dzakalakidziwa mu makubungano e Makedoniya. 2 Mukulikwa kwakabipa nge kudziyila kwabakawilana nako, koga kushatha kwabo kwakabe kukulu kwakayita kuti bakobane bakasununguka nenguba bakabe bali bashayi. 3 Ndotendeka kuti bakapa kunolizana ngotubula kwabo ne kupinda kuda kwabo. 4 Bakatikumbila bakalonga meya kuti babe ne gobe kushinga mu kubhatsha bayengemali be Ndzimu mu Judiya. 5 Ikoku kwakabe kuli kwatisakaalakana. Tje kutanga bakazwipa kuna She, ngono bakazwipa ne mutili nge kuda kwe Ndzimu. 6 Ndizo iswi takakulumbidza Tito, kuti sekwa akatangisa kale ngaapedzise nshingo iwoyu wakanaka pakati kwenyu. 7 Ngono ngwenu sekwa muli mbeli mu tjimwe ne tjimwe, mu kugalamoyo nemu ndebeleko nemu zibo nemu kumusa meya nemu kutida kwenyu, mubone kuti mu mbeli nemu nshingo iwoyu wakanaka.

8 Anditomupa nlayo, koga ndoshaka kubona kuti kene ludo gwenyu nge gwakwako nge kugufanidzanya nge kutukutila kwe bamwe. 9 Moziba ngoni dza She wedu Jesu Kirisiti, kuti nenguba akabe akafuma, wakabe nshayi nge kwenyu, kuti nge bushayi gugwe, imwi mufume.

10 Mu ndebo iyeyi ndomupa ikumbuludzo: Koyita kuti mupedzise tjamakatangisa makenyi, musingashinge koga mushinga ngoda, 11 kuti ndizo kuzwilulwamisila kuda kwenyu kuyendidzane ngopedzisa nge matatabuko enyu. 12 Ha kutukutilila kuli yapo, tjipo tjoamutjilika ku Ndzimu kuyendidzana nge tjaunatjo, kusi nge tjausinatjo.

13 Anditodwa kuti bamwe baamugwe, imwi mulemesegwe, koga ndodwa kuti kube nge kulizalizana, 14 kuti zwinjinji zwamunazo ngwenu zwibhatshe kusheta kwabo, kuti ndizo zwinjinji zwabanowobe nazo zwizhe zwibhatshe kusheta kwenyu. Ha kwakajalo kowobe nge kulizalizana. 15 Sekwa kwakakwagwa kuyi, “Iye wakatonotha kunjinji aazobe ne kunjisa, na iye wakatonotha kushomanana aazobe ne kushomanisa.”

Tito ne bakwinya babe

16 Ngakubokiwe Ndzimu iwo wakalonga ludo igogo gwandinagobo muna Tito kumubhatsha. 17 Tito aazoamutjila kunkumbila kwedu koga, koga wakagala abe eshaka kuzha kumuli ngoda kukwe. 18 Tonzhisa ana ikamu tjinozibgwa kwazo ngosumikila ndebo mbuya kwatjo mu makubungano wose. 19 Ngono kusi ngekwa ikoku koga, wakashalugwa nge makubungano kuti ayende naswi mu nshingo iwoyu wakanaka watinoyendisa kukudza She ne kulakidza mazwimisilo edu akalulwama.

20 Toshaka kuti kushete watibona nlandu ngekwe tjipo itjetji tjakanaka tjatinoyendisa. 21 Takazwimisila kuthama tjakalulwama, kusi mu mesho a She koga, koga nenge mu mesho e bathu.

22 Ngono banozha ne ikamu tjedu tjatakalika kanjinji tikawana tjakatukutila mu zwithu zwinjinji, koga ngwenu watjitukutila kupindisa misi yose nge kugalabgwe kwaanako mu muli. 23 Tito, iye nkwinya wangu kakale nshingi nami mu kumushinga kwedu; ngekwe zwikamu zwedu, ibo batumwa be makubungano, ndibo Kirisiti baanokudziwa nge kwabo. 24 Ndizo mubalakidze ludo gwenyu mbeli kwe makubungano nenge tjatinomukudzila.