What is this word “Abound”?

By Laurie June 23, 2011 Character, Devotion, Faith

2 Corinthians 8:7
But as you abound in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us–see that you abound in this grace also. (NKJV)

Have you ever considered the impressive list that the Corinthians were abounding? Faith, speech, knowledge, diligence and love for Paul and others!

How awesome would it be if we could all have a list like that! But when I look at that list, I can assure you that I fall short.

Do I abound in faith? Well…I have some faith!
How is my speech? Well…I can speak but not always like I should!
Knowledge? Well…I have some but I have so much more to learn!
Love for others? Well…I can love some people some of the time!
Diligence? Well… honestly, not all of the time!

When I look over the scripture found in 1 Corinthians 8:7, one word seems to jump off of the page to me. ABOUND. Abound? I am not sure that I abound in any of those things on the list, but I do know that I am ever increasing. As long as I am open to it, I am always growing, with the help of God.

Paul exhorted the Corinthians to abound “in this grace also.” From reading the preceding verses (verses1-6) we can see that the grace Paul was referring to pertained to the area of giving. It wasn’t enough for the Corinthians to do all of the things they were already doing well; something was lacking–their generosity toward others!

Paul is not trying to “guilt” us into giving more, but simply pointing out that we are not to become comfortable. Giving of ourselves can always be improved. We can always give more money, more time and more of ourselves. There is always room for us to grow.

Instead of looking at a “list“, God looks at our heart and I believe when our heart is right, our action will be right also. I don’t want to just be doing things to be doing things. I want to grow in Him, and stand outside my comfort zone and make a difference in my world.

I don’t know about you, but I want to ABOUND more. Abound in the things I think. Abound in the things I say. And ABOUND in the things I do. For the glory of the Lord!