2 Corinthians. 8:7 NIV
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.
Paul was commending the church in Corinth for their excellence in faith, knowledge, complete earnestness and love so that he could challenge to excel in the same manner in their giving. Where the love and nature of God flows, giving will also flow. Remember, for God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten son, God gave us his best.
You can give without loving, but you cannot love and fail to give. Love and giving are two sides of the same coin because love does not withhold or take, love gives.
The bible has a lot to say about giving, especially for us, who believe in Christ. We are told that it is more blessed to give than to receive. We are also reminded that the measure we use to give is the same measure that will be used when it’s time for us to receive.
Furthermore, we are encouraged to give generously and not to deny others when it is in our power to help them. Why? Because the nature of our heavenly father flows in us.
For some believers, giving in church is not that much of a struggle. The struggle comes in when we are required to give to others. For some reason, sharing with others becomes hard because in our reasoning, we sometimes think the people who are in need are lazy. If only they worked as hard as we are working, then they would have what we have, right?
Occasionally, God will humble us by allowing us to go through a season of lack so that we look to others for help because when we experience that then our hearts will be moved with compassion for the less fortunate.
God does not just expect us to give, he desires that we should excel in our giving because we are his children.
In the previous verses, Paul mentions the church in Macedonia which was going through extreme poverty and fiery trial, but even with all that, they gave with joy.
Paul says;
2 Corinthians 8:3-5
3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
May we have the same attitude and zeal when it comes to giving because the love of God flows in us.
Reflections
Do you always look out for opportunities to give or opportunities to get?
What are some of the common excuses you have for not giving?
What must you do to become a more cheerful giver?
