Sunday, August 12, 2012

God loves a cheerful giver

2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Paul thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit Corinthians  in advance and finish the generous gift they had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
This service by which you have provided yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
Why?
Paul has told Macedonians that who in Achaia were ready to give for one year. So he urge men to Corinthian for preparing.
God is full of grace, is able to make all grace abound to us while we doing the good work.
The Jerusalem church seems to have been in financial trouble almost from the start, probably because the break with Judaism cut converts off from their families and often cost them their jobs. Paul was quick to encourage the Gentile churches in Galatia, Macedonia and Corinth to help their Jewish fellow Christian. By doing so they would learn the duty and blessing of systematic Christian giving, and at the same time show their appreciation of what they owed the Jewish parent-church.
Christian giving is a loving response to the self-giving of the Lord Jesus.
Those with more than they need will make up the incomes of those with too little, so that all have enough.
How?
To be a cheerful giver, and response the love of Lord Christ to me.



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