Read a Chapter a Day: Small-Group Study on 2 Corinthians 8-13

Use the above framed pictures of the Mona Lisa (public domain) to illustrate the power of changing a frame. The first frame is the original frame, and the second has two rectangles digitally added as a replacement frame.

Invite participants to share: “Can you think of a time when seeing something framed differently changed your whole perspective? Maybe a family photo, a fresh coat of paint, or the posting of a story online?

The Big Picture/Group Dialogue (approximately 15 minutes):

A woman who happened to be entirely blind entered the Louvre and asked to “see” some artwork. She asked in the best French she could muster, “Is there something I can touch?”. The museum curator took her to touch a sculpture. It happened to be the Venus de Milo, a sculpture that is both beautiful and beyond cost in value. It is normally not touched by the public.

Sometimes, the rules of being “hands off” in the museum need to be changed or at least reframed. In the same way, John Wesley’s take on the scriptures helps us reframe the letters from Paul. Just the frame helps us see the scripture in a fresh and relevant way. Or perhaps we can “touch” on something in a new way.

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral summarizes Wesley’s approach to scripture. Wesley’s reframing of the approach to reading scripture allows us to touch the Word in a new way.

• Scripture: God’s Word as our foundation.
• Reason: Using our minds to make sense of faith and life.
• Experience: Our personal stories and feelings shape understanding.
• Tradition: The wisdom passed down through the church community.

As a group, talk about the Wesleyan Quadrilateral and what, if any, of it is helpful to you as you consider 2 Corinthians. Did one or more of the four aspects of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral help you reframe these scriptures in a way that changed your perspective? If so, why do you think that was the case?

The Hi-Def Picture/Going Deeper (approximately 15 minutes):

Focus on 2 Corinthians 9:7-8b:

7 Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. 8God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace.

Reflect together: How can you use scripture, reason, experience, and tradition to help you understand this passage?

Discuss: What do you think Paul means by God’s ability to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace? What is Paul teaching about generosity that feels relevant now?

The Motion Picture/Take Action (5-10 minutes):

Generosity is about living out God’s grace in ways that fit your life.

• Consider a small way to share your time, resources, or kindness in the coming week.
• How might 2 Corinthians 9 inspire new ways to live generously in your daily routines, relationships, or community?

Prayer (10 minutes):

Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

God, thank you for framing our faith with your Word, wisdom, experiences, and traditions. Help us live generously, joyfully, and with open hearts. Amen.

Sending Forth (2 minutes):

Close by reminding the group: “Like the Mona Lisa’s frame brings focus and beauty to the painting, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral frames our faith, guiding us to understand and live God’s call to generosity.”

Close with the Lord’s Prayer or with this blessing: Go in peace, living generosity in all the ways your life is framed. Amen.

Leader’s Guide Notes

• Fellowship: Encourage participants to mingle and introduce themselves if they are new. Place art or visuals in the space to set the tone.
• Gathering Time: Keep the pairs/groups small to allow everyone to share. Have a leader or facilitator ready to join groups if someone is left alone.
• Group Dialogue: Allow flexibility in the conversation. If discussion flows deeply on one question, don’t feel pressured to cover everything.
• Going Deeper: Invite participants to share only what they are comfortable sharing. Leaders can model vulnerability by offering their reflections.
• Prayer: Provide a gentle reminder that prayer requests are confidential. Ask if someone in the group wants to volunteer to close in prayer.
• Sending Forth: Use a blessing or benediction that fits your community. You can also invite participants to pray the Lord’s Prayer in unison.

Rev. Manohar Joshi (aka Mantu) has been a minister and elder in the United Methodist Church for more than twenty years. He teaches at Western Michigan University and serves as a chaplain at Trinity Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Drawing on his life as a stay-at-home dad, sports coach and referee, writer, teacher, and chaplain, he helps people explore new, meaningful ways to connect with what matters most. He’s also the author of the bestselling book The Resilient Parent: Everyday Wisdom for Life with Your Exceptional Child.