by Pastor Rich Carlson

Never use superlatives. You should never say never or always. It is always wrong all the time. Except if you are describing God’s goodness. Listen— 
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (9:8 NIV)"

It doesn’t get any better than that—ever.

And this verse is stuck right in the middle of a section of this letter that I call an attitude adjustment. Most of it is about giving money—but it also includes giving myself:
• Be a generous, not a grudging, giver (9:5)
• Sow sparingly and I’ll reap sparingly—sow generously and I’ll reap generously (9:6)
• Give from my heart and not out of compulsion (9:7)
• God loves a cheerful giver (9:7)

And then Paul lists all the superlatives about why I should have an attitude like this. I should be open to sharing what God has given me because He has done so much for me. Here’s how he lays it out it in verses 10-14:
• God gives to me…
• So that I can be generous in every occasion…
• Which will result in thanksgiving directed to God.
• I supply the needs of God’s people.
• I make it an expression of thanksgiving to God.
• It will result in people praising God, not me.
• What they will be seeing is obedience that accompanies my confession of the gospel of Christ…
• And my willingness to share it.

And all that because I have seen the truth of God’s superlatives in my life.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.