Grace of giving…
But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.2 Cor. 8:7
Paul talks about giving several times …but, I loved this statement “grace of giving”…another description is “gracious inclination to give”…
These people gave out of their poverty, graciously, to others who were even in more need…
One illustration, was a man who experimented with giving attitudes…..dressing poorly, going to am affluent section of town, he stood waiting for donations with no success…upon going to the poorer section, he found much more generous people…those who realized what a donation might mean, gave liberally…
Grace meaning. Merriam Webster Online…
1
a
: unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification
b
: a virtue coming from God
c
: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance
“Gracious inclination to give”…
“Giving is a matter of grace from beginning to end. Christ gave himself for us. We receive his grace, and then we give ourselves to him and to others in his name. This response to grace includes giving what we have. That is how the Macedonians gave out of their poverty with great liberality. And that is how we give out of our affluence. It is the same.” https://faculty.wts.edu/posts/the-grace-of-giving/
But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need.
The goal is equality,
The Cheerful Giver
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;his righteousness endures forever.”
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
2Cor.8.7-9, 2Cor.8.14,2Cor.6-12
We who have much to be thankful for, can extend that grace of giving…
Thank YOU….
How can I say thanks….
Thank you for giving to the Lord…
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