"what God Has Given Us: Gratitude, Multiplication, And Generosity" By Joseph Ondu

"What God Has Given Us: Gratitude, Multiplication, and Generosity"

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:16

"Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people."

Introduction:

Today, I want to talk about the power of gratitude, multiplication, and generosity in our lives. These three principles are beautifully illustrated in Luke 9:16, the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand.

This passage reminds us that what God has given us—no matter how small it may seem—is sufficient when placed in His hands. When we thank Him, He multiplies our blessings, and as stewards of His grace, we are called to share those blessings with others in need.

1. Gratitude: Acknowledging God’s Provision

In this story, Jesus begins by taking the five loaves and two fish and giving thanks. He doesn’t complain about the scarcity; He doesn’t ask why there isn’t more. Instead, He acknowledges what is already present and offers thanks to God.

This teaches us an essential lesson: gratitude unlocks the potential of what we already have. Sometimes we focus so much on what we lack that we fail to see what God has already placed in our hands. It’s easy to dismiss the small things—a modest income, a single talent, or a brief moment of opportunity—but when we bring these before God with thanksgiving, they become the seed for something extraordinary.

Take a moment to reflect: What has God given you today that you need to thank Him for? Is it your family, your job, your health, or simply the breath in your lungs? Gratitude shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance and prepares our hearts for what God wants to do next.

2. Multiplication: God’s Power in Our Offerings

After giving thanks, Jesus breaks the loaves and the fish, and they begin to multiply. The miracle of multiplication happens in the breaking, in the surrendering of what is finite to an infinite God.

This is where we see God’s supernatural power at work. He takes what we have—as small and insufficient as it may seem—and makes it more than enough. But notice this: the multiplication happens after gratitude. Before we can experience God’s multiplication, we must first offer what we have back to Him with a thankful heart.

What are the "loaves and fish" in your life? It could be your time, your skills, your resources, or even your testimony. When you surrender these to God, He can multiply them in ways you never imagined. Trust Him to take what you offer and use it for His glory and His purposes.

3. Generosity: Distributing to Those in Need

Finally, after Jesus gives thanks and the food is multiplied, He gives it to the disciples to distribute. This part of the story reminds us that God’s blessings are not meant to be hoarded; they are meant to be shared.

We live in a world where many are spiritually, emotionally, and physically hungry. As followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet, distributing His blessings to those in need. When God blesses us, it’s not just for our benefit but for the benefit of others. Our gratitude and God’s multiplication find their fullest expression in our generosity.

Ask yourself: Who in your life is in need today? It might be a neighbor who is struggling financially, a friend who needs encouragement, or even a stranger who could use a simple act of kindness. When we distribute God’s blessings, we become vessels of His love and grace.

Conclusion:

Luke 9:16 reminds us of three powerful truths:

Gratitude transforms our perspective and prepares the way for God to work.

Multiplication happens when we surrender what we have to God.

Generosity is the ultimate purpose of God’s blessings in our lives.

Let us leave here today with hearts full of gratitude for what God has given us. Let us trust Him to multiply our offerings, and let us be faithful in sharing those blessings with others. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Christ and bring glory to His name.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all that You have given us. Help us to recognize Your blessings, no matter how small they may seem. Teach us to offer them back to You with thanksgiving, trusting that You will multiply them. And Lord, give us generous hearts to share Your blessings with those in need. May our lives be a testimony of Your love, power, and provision. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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