2 Corinthians 8:12-15

verse 12: “For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have.”

How many times have we heard (or said to ourselves) “oh, if I could just win the lottery (or the sweepstakes, etc.), I could really give to the church or to charities.” It’s a good thing church finance committees don’t base their budgets on such wishes. I think it’s a common desire for all Christians to wish they could give more; but wishing so and actually doing it are two different things.

Look at it this way. I have a basic toolbox and set of tools at home. Now, I am no accomplished carpenter by any means (those who know me, please do not laugh!), but I do fairly well for “around the house” type jobs. If you were to ask me to do a major carpentry job, I might be willing and I might be ready, but if I don’t have a skillsaw, sawhorses, and other type equipment to do the job, the job is not going to get done very well.

We need to give according to what we have and by God’s command to give the tithe; do not give what you do not have. I think that’s one reason our nation has such a problem with debt nowadays! (and I haven’t even talked about the federal government yet!) This is not to say do not plan; you can make plans on giving, and situations can change that alter those plans. A gift from someone is truly appreciated when it is given from the possessor of that gift, not only the pledge of the gift. To quote our church treasurer again, get your financial house in order, then see about your giving!

Have a blessed day!

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2 Corinthians 8:8-11

verse 8: “I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also.”

We’re continuing through chapter 8, on Paul’s comments regarding giving.

There have been plenty of sayings, axioms, and quotes about one’s actions:
“Actions speak louder than words.”
“I’m from Missouri. You’ll have to show me.” (loosely quoted from Senator Willard Duncan Vandiver)
James commented in James 2:14-17 “…faith, if it has not works, is dead, being by itself.”
Jesus Himself spoke of plants that produce no fruit, urging His disciples to not be like these.

Merriam-Webster online defines “earnest” as “characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind”. My Bible even has a footnote regarding that one of the purposes of giving is to “prove the reality of one’s love”. Though Paul spoke here of a collection for the saints, remember, giving can be in more than just money…it can include time and abilities. The bottom line here is, as Christians, we should be serious in our intentions. When we say we love God, prove it…show it! Never let it be said that you “talk a good fight” (yet another saying!)

Have a blessed day!

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2 Corinthians 8:1-4

verse 2: “that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.”

Paul talks about giving in this chapter and the next. Ever notice how it seems like those who can’t afford to give, are the most dependable givers? Or how those who can afford to give, are sometimes not the best givers? Could it be that those givers know what it’s like to be in need, and thus they give even out of their “deep poverty”?

Remember Jesus noted during His earthly ministry the 2 mites given by the widow woman…that she had given much more than those richer people who only put in a pittance of what they could. You may not have much financially; but God commands that we give back a 1/10th, the tithe, back to Him. As our church treasurer put it recently, “you need to get your own financial house in order, so that you don’t wind up giving what you don’t have”.

Jesus gave His all for you, you’ll recall….

Have a blessed day!

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