In The Word
Read: 2 Corinthians 8:16—9:15
16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness in your behalf in the heart of Titus. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord. 18 We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches; 19 and not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our readiness, 20 taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; 21 for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of other people. 22 We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ. 24 Therefore, openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.
God Gives Most
9 For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints; 2 for I know your willingness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I have sent the brothers, in order that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you will be prepared; 4 otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to mention you—would be put to shame by this confidence. 5 So I considered it necessary to urge the brothers that they go on ahead to you and arrange in advance your previously promised generous gift, that the same would be ready as a generous gift, and not as one grudgingly given due to greediness.
6 Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9 as it is written:
“He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now 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; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. 13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, 14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Sometimes what gets lost in this story of Gentile churches giving to impoverished Jewish believers in Jerusalem is that most of these Gentiles had been persecuted for their faith by Jewish leaders. In Acts, we read that many Jewish believers didn’t believe the gift of salvation was for the Gentiles, only for the Jews! For these young Gentile believers to be giving gifts from their meager earnings was a great testimony to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. This is our lesson today: the proper way of giving and the blessedness that is given in return.
First, you should give as a blessing; and if you’ve promised, give as promised, not grudgingly, or forced, but cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:5-7). Second, God’s generosity to us should inspire us to be generous to others. His gifts to us in turn make us and our blessings available to help in every good deed. Third, He continues to provide for you as you provide for others (1 Corinthians 9:8-10). Sometimes believers forget this. When God sees your concern for the poor, for another’s needs, He begins to give you the means to help financially. It’s not for hoarding, it’s for supplying the needs of the church (2 Corinthians 9:12). Last, but not least, as God’s hands, you fulfill the needs of others which brings thanksgivings to God. I cannot tell you how many times a gift given to another was met with the praise, “God heard my prayer, you don’t know how badly we needed this, and it was just in time!” Talk about unspeakable joy! Giving to others in their time of need, be that in someone’s life today!