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2 Corinthians 9:15 — “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

Paul closes his teaching on generosity with an exclamation of gratitude: “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” That gift is Christ Himself, given for our salvation. No blessing is greater, no gift more precious. Gratitude begins and ends at the cross.

The gift is “unspeakable” because words cannot capture its full worth. How can language describe the eternal Son leaving heaven, taking on flesh, bearing sin, and rising in victory? Our vocabulary falters before such grace. Gratitude is the only fitting response.

The cross reminds us that salvation is not earned but received. We did not work for it or deserve it; God gave it freely in love. Gratitude grows when we see the cross not as a symbol but as the place where Christ bore our curse to give us life.

For pastors, this truth centers their ministry. Preaching, counseling, and service all flow from gratitude for the cross. For the flock, this truth fuels worship. Every hymn, every prayer, every act of service is an echo of thanks for Christ’s sacrifice.

The cross also teaches us how to give. Just as Christ gave Himself fully, we are called to give generously to others. Gratitude for the cross transforms selfish hearts into sacrificial ones.

When we run out of reasons to give thanks, the cross is enough. It secures our salvation, assures our hope, and demonstrates God’s love. Truly, thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.