Wondrous Grace

Serving God, serving others, and helping those in need are the central themes of this piece. When we willingly set aside self-interest and personal comfort for the sake of others, we often discover unexpected blessings and deep joy. As the author of the text writes, “Such service brings praise to God above.” Lectionary Index by Theme: GIVING, GENEROSITY Deuteronomy 15:10 — “Give generously… without a grudging heart.” Psalm 112:5 — “Good will come to those who are generous.” Proverbs 11:24–25 — “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer…” Proverbs 22:9 — “The generous will themselves be blessed.” Luke 6:38 — “Give, and it will be given to you.” Luke 12:33–34 — “Provide purses that do not wear out…” 2 Corinthians 8:7 — “Excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 — “God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:10–12 — Seed, generosity, and thanksgiving to God. 1 Timothy 6:17–19 — “Be rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share.” Hebrews 13:16 — “Do not forget to do good and to share.” GRACE Exodus 34:6 — “The Lord, compassionate and gracious…” Psalm 103:8–12 — “The Lord is merciful and gracious…” John 1:16 — “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” Acts 4:33 — “Great grace was upon them all.” Romans 3:23–24 — Justified freely by grace. Romans 5:1–2 — Access to grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8–9 — “By grace you have been saved through faith.” Titus 2:11 — “The grace of God has appeared… bringing salvation.” Hebrews 4:16 — “Approach the throne of grace with confidence.” HELPING THOSE IN NEED Isaiah 58:6–10 — “Share your food with the hungry…” Proverbs 19:17 — “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.” Matthew 25:35–40 — “Whatever you did for the least of these…” HONORING GOD Proverbs 3:9–10 — “Honor the Lord with your wealth.” 1 Samuel 2:30 — “Those who honor me I will honor.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 — “Do everything for the glory of God.” Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light shine… that they may glorify your Father.” PLANTING SEEDS (SPIRITUAL GROWTH) Ecclesiastes 11:6 — “Sow your seed in the morning…” Isaiah 55:10–11 — God’s word as seed that accomplishes its purpose. Matthew 13:3–9 — Parable of the sower. 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 — “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” SERVING GOD Joshua 24:15 — “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 1 Samuel 12:24 — “Serve the Lord faithfully with all your heart.” Romans 12:11 — “Never be lacking in zeal… serving the Lord.” Colossians 3:23–24 — “Work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” SERVING OTHERS Mark 10:45 — “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” Galatians 5:13 — “Serve one another humbly in love.” John 13:14–15 — Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. Philippians 2:3–4 — “Look not to your own interests, but to others.”