Day 336, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Corinthians 7:4–9:15
Give Generously
Christmas is the season for generosity. We exchange gifts with each other and with friends, and many send packages to soldiers or baskets to the poor. We may make a special visit to nursing homes and bring gifts to the elderly. God is pleased when Christians give with cheerful hearts at Christmas, but is this the only time he wants us to do it? In this Bible study, we learn to give generously at any time of the year and our motivation for helping others.
In today’s Bible reading, the Apostle Paul praises the Christians in the city of Corinth. Although they had previously been tolerant and even proud of an immoral brother in Christ, they changed their minds. They rebuked him after reading Paul’s first letter. Now, Paul says to exercise grace toward him since he has repented. Then Paul expresses his pride for them, especially for their love and hospitality.
While he is on his third missionary journey, he hears encouraging reports of their kindness towards Titus, one of Paul’s fellow laborers in the ministry. Titus tells Paul he is greatly missed, and the Corinthian believers share his sorrows and concerns about his gospel ministry. This encourages the persecuted apostle. What do we do to encourage ministers of the gospel or other servants of God?
Paul seeks to bring some material encouragement to the poor persecuted believers in Jerusalem by collecting contributions from the churches. The Corinthian believers have excelled in their hospitality and love, so Paul encourages them to excel in grace-giving.
What is grace-giving, and how is it shown?
Grace-giving is generosity and is based on the grace each believer receives. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9, NIV). Because Jesus sacrificed himself for our salvation, we willingly sacrifice to meet the material needs of others.
Some people have learned to be more gracious than most and have been blessed for it. Paul says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2Corinthians 9:6, NIV).
The Corinthians believers were the first church in Asia to extend material help to their brothers in Christ, and Paul is proud of them. The continuance of their support will prove their love of which Paul boasts. Are we one-time or continual grace-givers? Let’s be persistent in our giving as proof of our love.
How do we practice grace-giving?
There are random times when God moves our hearts to do something, but planned giving leads to consistent expressions of love. The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians to prepare for his coming. He wants the Corinthians to provide a lump sum of money or regularly set aside amounts to be given when he comes. He wants them to be generous. Paul even wants them to be sacrificial. Knowing the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf, should we do less?
Grace-giving, however, is not given out of guilt or force. Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, NIV).
If we participate in grace-giving, Paul promises that God will see our righteousness and give us even more so we may further our kindness (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).
What are the benefits of grace-giving?
Givers shouldn’t give to get; the motivation for giving is love, not greed. There are, however, benefits to grace-giving.
- Our spirituality is enhanced if we are generous like Christ (9:11).
- God promises to meet our needs and enable us to bless others on every occasion (9:11).
- We are blessing people by meeting their material needs. This causes them to rejoice because of our obedience to Christ and enhances our friendship (9:13).
- Because of our joyful generosity, those who are helped will likely pray for special blessings upon us (9:14).
Discussion
What is Grace-giving and how is it shown?
What are some benefits to grace-giving?
Focus Verse
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Sample prayer: Dear Father in heaven, great is your love for us. You planned and gave us salvation through your Son. You gave sacrificially for us, and we know it’s your will that we give sacrificially for others. We trust you to provide for our needs because you are our LORD. Forgive us for any stringiness, and help us forgive others which should help but don’t. Please lead us away from the temptation to be snarky. In the name of your Son, Jesus, and for your glory, I pray. Amen
Please send your comments to me
Looking Ahead: In today's Bible study we learned about Grace-Giving. In our Next Lesson we will learn about Godly Jealousy and Grace-Living.
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