Tag: finish well
Giving fairness!
Scripture reading for August 7: 2 Corinthians 8
“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 by His poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.” 2 Corinthians 8:9-14
The subject of giving money is often a difficult issue in the church as well as our world. But money is a part of our world and is a test given by God of our faithfulness and stewardship. Scripture teaches us that all we have comes from God. He gives to us through our family and national identity. He gives gifts and talents to use for His glory. He gives jobs and responsibility that earn wages and serve Him and others.
Paul used Jesus as the supreme example of giving. Although Jesus was owner of all, He chose to humble Himself and take the form of a human being, becoming poor to identify with us. He did this that all mankind might be made rich with eternal life through adoption back into God’s eternal family. Jesus’ example was for the benefit of us all for all time.
The Corinthian church had been asked to prepare an offering and planned for it for over a year. They had come upon some hard times, but were still well-supplied compared to the Jerusalem church that was enduring persecution. Paul encouraged them to complete what they had started. He pointed to the principle of fairness to help them cheerfully give. Their comparative abundance should be freely given to those in need at the present time. There would be a time when they would need help and the others they had blessed would return the offerings! God understands that we can only give out of what He supplies.
What is your world view concerning money and wealth? How does it affect your attitude towards giving and discussing what to give to God’s work? Do you plan your giving in advance?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your blessing in providing everything in my life. Thank You for gifts and talents to serve others and You. I freely give of myself, my time and talents and my money to further Your work. It is truly more blessed to give than receive. (Acts 20:35) Amen.