Read II Corinthians 8 Excel in Giving

But as you abound in everythingin faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for ussee that you abound in this grace also. (II Corinthians

The Corinthian Christians thought of themselves as abounding in many areas one would consider them spiritual. Areas like faith, in their eloquence in preaching, in knowledge and other spiritual gifts, in all diligence and even love for the leaders like apostle Paul. Now he exhorts them to also abound in the grace of giving.

Giving is grace because is God that gives us the spirit of generosity. He causes us to recognize as David did, "But who am I, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You." (I Chronicles 29:14 NKJV) This comes when we experience the generosity of God Himself, For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. (II Corinthians

How then do we abound in this grace? Paul cites the example of the Macedonian Christians how they abound in this grace, Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: (II Corinthians

They gave beyond ability or their comfort zone For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, (II Corinthians

They gave themselves first to the Lord And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. (II Corinthians

Paul does not demand them to be like the Macedonian Christians but as an example to emulate. Grace is a gift and so not out of pressure, obligation or legalism in our giving. It is uplifting. Abounding in this grace is not expected of what one does not have (:12). He deliberates further in chapter 9, as one purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity but cheerfully (:7-8), It is not driven by guilt, compulsion, obligation and not with motive for wanting more in return.

Prayer: Lord, I acknowledge all good gift come from above. I long to give as You lead me. You have self me free from self each time in giving and You are doing the work of grace in my life.

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