Friday, July 17, 2026

Scripture

“Did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I proclaimed God’s good news to you free of charge?”  2 Corinthians 11:7

Reflections

As followers of Jesus, we are in the business of giving away something for free.  The message of God’s love in Jesus comes to us as a gift.  It’s nothing we have earned on our own.

The gospel is free to us but costly to God.  Being God, he did not have to endure the cross.  Still, he took the form of a human being in order that he might experience the full effect of the cross.  We look to the cross and see the extent he’ll go in order that we might know his love for us.  We were worth it to him.

Some may think of proclaiming the good news as an obligation—some kind of dreaded chore that they would prefer not doing.  But for those who truly understand the gospel, it’s a pure joy to give away.  There’s an unlimited supply of God’s love to be shared.  We tell the story of Jesus to one person and then another and then another.  They, in turn, tell others.  It never runs out.

The message of the gospel had a grip on the Apostle Paul.  He came to know God’s love and loved him in return.  As a result, he was compelled to give his life sharing the story with those who had yet to know Jesus.  To him, it was costly, but a price worth paying.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for gifting me with your favor and forgiveness.  Inspire me to give of myself for the sake of others, as you gave yourself for me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:7-15