I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. 2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.
3 But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you. 4 We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them! 5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
Tori's Comments:
It's been made obvious that God really cares about what's going on in the heart.
Hold on to "God will generously provide all you need."
Terrie's Comments:
This is a good image of what giving looks like in the Kindom of God. We give out of our love for each other, out of a cheerful heart, willingly, as we have decided in our own hearts. It is not supposed to be given reluctantly, or because we feel pressured to give, or grudgingly. When we give to the work of God He promises to supply our needs generously. He promises that we will have everything we need and plenty to share with others. This is Kingdom living! God is faithful. If he is prompting you to give and you respond cheerfully he will take care of you. All of his promises are yes and amen in Jesus Christ.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
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