You will be enriched in every way
2 Corinthians 9:11 - Paul’s reminder to the Corinthians in this verse is timeless: Give, and God will reward you in many ways. Give thanks, and you glorify God.
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV
Paul’s Second Epistle to the Corinthians teaches so much to those of faith, both now and two thousand years ago when it was first written. Much of his First Epistle to the church of Corinth dealt with trying to resolve the many disagreements and misconceptions of the members of that church. 2 Corinthians has a different theme, with Paul expressing his love for the people of the church, while at the same time attempting to defend the way he speaks, writes and teaches.
Chapter 9 is frequently used in sermons encouraging giving, since that is the overarching theme of the entire chapter. In it, Paul emphasizes how God wants us to give. He asks the Corinthians to be ready to give for the benefit of the “Jerusalem saints” (the Christians in Jerusalem), noting that he’ll be sending Titus and other leaders to collect the offering.
In case the Corinthians balk at the idea of giving up their hard-earned denarii, Chapter 9 also taught at length on the reward of giving, as well teaching to have the right heart when giving. It closes with a reminder to always thank God for the greatest gift; salvation through Jesus Christ.
Today’s verse points out how God blesses everyone in every way! Using the phrase “You will be enriched in every way”, Paul is saying that the Corinthians will be blessed by their giving materially, and they will also prosper spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
Earlier in the chapter, Paul reminds the Corinthians of the principle of sowing and reaping — God provides abundantly to those who give generously. That’s found elsewhere in the Bible; in Proverbs 11:25, Solomon notes that “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
God will enrich His people so that they may be generous to others “on every occasion”. Biblically, this is the principle that blessings aren’t just to be kept to oneself, but should be shared with others. The early church followed this principle eagerly, as seen in Acts 2:44-45: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” The early church found great value in community and mutual support, particularly as the Christian community was facing hardship and persecution.
Paul and others (those like Titus who would be collecting the generous gift of the Corinthians) were acting as intermediaries so that the gift would reach and benefit those in need. His words in the epistle — “through us your generosity will produce thanksgiving to God” — show that the gift would not only meet the physical needs of the poor Christians in Jerusalem, but also produce a spiritual output of giving thanks to God.
Jesus taught that good works glorify God. In Matthew 5:16, He said “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” In giving thanks to God for His provision directly or through the gifts of others, the recipients acknowledge the unity of the body of Christ — the church — all over the world.
Paul’s reminder to the Corinthians in this verse is timeless: Give, and God will reward you in many ways. Give thanks, and you glorify God.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, You have enriched us in every way so that we may be generous to others. Teach us to give not out of a feeling of obligation, but with joy and thankfulness. May our gifts reflect Your love and be a testimony that brings glory to Your name. May those who receive our gifts be blessed, and may praise rise up to You through our acts of generosity. AMEN.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Wonderful article and reminder to let our light shine and glorify God through the way we live our lives.