2 Corinthians 8 -- Wisdom From God About Grace Giving

The Corinthians were not doing their part in giving to Paul's offering to help the needy Jewish believers in Jerusalem, my commentary said.  "They had made promises, but they had failed to keep them ... an entire year had been wasted.  What was the cause of this serious delay?  The low spiritual levels of the church.  When a church is not spiritual, it is not generous."

"Paul taught them that giving was an act of grace.  Paul listed a number of evidences that appear when our giving is motivated by grace:

     When we give in spite of circumstances.

     When we give enthusiastically.

     When we give as Jesus gave.

     When we give willingly.

     When we give by faith.

Paul even listed great qualities for those we place on finance committees, to handle the money given to the church:

     A God-given desire to serve.

     A burden for lost souls.

     A desire to honor God.

     A reputation for honesty.

     A cooperative spirit.

Paul's word to us on grace giving continues in the next chapter, my commentary says.

Father, I thank You for blessing me so that I can bless others.  Help me to remember that You look at my heart when I give, to see my willingness to give and my sacrifice, not what is in my hand.  Help me to always let YOU guide my heart in giving.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford