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 2 Corinthians 8- Eager to Give

We can excel at giving once we’ve given ourselves to God and others.  As Christians, we can tie kindness and loyalty to God around our wrists like a bracelet.  And as we work today and serve let’s have hearts of generosity.  We are generous because we know how generous God is with us.  He died on the Cross for our sins.  He loves us completely.

Generosity in love is never futile.  In earthly terms giving to a people in a city that was about to be destroyed (think Jerusalem A.D. 70) did not make sense.  They did it anyway.  It blessed the giver and the receiver then just as when we help the poor and needy now helps advance God’s kingdom.  We can excel at the gracious act of giving when we give out of genuine love.

As Christians we must learn to excel in many ways: faith, gifted speaking, knowledge, enthusiasm, love, and in the gracious act of giving.

The principle of giving here is an example from God.  Jesus’ poverty made us rich with eternal blessing.  Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly.  Take any portion of what you have and transfer it to those in need to help them in their lives.  Do this out of your free will with eagerness.  Not guilt.  When we have plenty we must be eager to help those in need.  The word eagerness is repeated here over and over.

Lord God, please help me to be eager to help those in need today.  Let my words, actions, my counsel, and my resources be used today to help someone in need.  And may I not just give out of moral duty.  May I give joyfully and eagerly.  We thank you, Lord God, for this day.  A day to follow you and to assist in sharing God’s message of love and forgiveness.

God, we know that your people are generous givers (Ps. 37:21).  Let us live above reproach.  May we be humble and honorable in all we do.  Help us to follow through.  Please revive our eagerness to help people today and give us the drive and encouragement to press on.  May we know that God’s way is victorious and good and may we not worry about the wicked.  Please give us your confidence and help us succeed.  Amen.

Sol, Abe, Ben, Addie, Harry, Savanna, Emily, and Sam


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