Generosity Encouraged

Tuesday Devotional: Today’s devotional is from 2 Corinthians 8:1-13. Paul is encouraging us to give based on the grace we have been given.

LISTEN TO TODAY’S READING

SCRIPTURES FOR TODAY: 2 CORINTHIANS 8:1-13

Verse 1-5 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

Verse 6-7 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 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.

Verse 8-9 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 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 through his poverty might become rich.

Verse 10-13 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

THOUGHTS & RELEVANCE FOR TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

Verse 1-5 I think the relevance in these scriptures are apparent from what Paul shared about the Macedonian churches. These people served and gave regardless of their circumstances, trouble, or lack. They gave what they had willing because of the grace that God had given them; they were honored to be able to give. They gave of themselves to the Lord and to others. I believe this scripture is a message to us to learn to give from our hearts because of the grace God has given us and also to look at it as privilege to be able to do so.

Verse 6-7 Paul acknowledged the good things the people were doing and actually excelling at; like their faith, their words, their knowledge. Yet he encouraged them to remember to also excel at giving also, because of the grace that has been given to them.

Verse 8-9 Paul also wanted to remind them that the act of giving was not a command but something that should come natural because of the grace that was given to them. I think it’s also a reminder that we can never out give God. He gave Jesus’s live in exchange for ours which makes us very rich.

Verse 10-13 I think this entire passage is a reminder for us to remember the grace and the gift that has been given to us. Why wouldn’t we want to give based on what has been given us?  

DAILY DEVOTIONALS

I may do one or two more studies from 2 Corinthians but then the rest of this year I want to spend in Proverbs; the book of wisdom! This is one of my favorite books in the bible besides Revelation; so maybe we might alternate back and forth. Lets see where the Lord leads me! Stay tuned…

DAILY DEVOTIONALS are biblical based mini studies to encourage you, help you grow on your journey, and to inspire you to share with others!

• Sunday: Video teachings with a variety of teachers, bishops, and pastors.
• Monday: Hearing from God Each Morning (365 Daily Devotional) Joyce Meyer
• Tuesday: Study of a book in the bible along with scripture readings (II Corinthians)
• Wednesday: Jesus Calling; Enjoying Peace in His Presence (365 Daily Devotional) Sarah Young
• Thursday: Becoming A Vessel God Can use; Donna Partow
• Friday: Our Daily Bread; that tiny little monthly booklet that reaches people around the world with the life-changing wisdom of the bible
• Saturday: Created For Excellence; 12 Keys to Godly Success, Kevin Baerg