“Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. 13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. 15 As the Scriptures say, “Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.”” 2 Corinthians 8:10-15 NLT
Generous Father,
Paul touches on a sticky subject for some Christians. Giving. He gives advice only. And in the light of what they said they would do earlier. It is perhaps also about keeping Your word as a church and as the individuals who are the church. The Corinthians had wanted to give, and began doing it. But they had lost their eagerness. Enthusiasm, keenness! Having to be reminded and asked rather than it being keeping their word and a joy?
Do I joy in giving? Do I only promise to support those things I know I will? I remember that in the eyes of half the world, I am wealthy. I have a warm, dry home, three meals a day (at least), a warm dry bed, hot and cold clean running water, and access to health care. Paul does not tell them how much to give, that would be like giving tick boxes and that is not what You desire God is it? You want us to give as a response to others need, sharing what You have provided us with. Not to make ourselves in need but to spread joy from our overflow.
Paul suggests is good to decide what to give to on a regular basis as a church. That means we have to give to our fellowship as we are the church! And that applies to us as individuals as well. To keep our promises, if we have made any to support financially. And not be rash with promises. To know the joy and feeling of well being that comes giving and being a part of what others are doing. Or relieving someone’s suffering. You love giving Lord, and everything I have is because of You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 5th December 2025
God loves a generous heart, a generous heart
Yes, He does
God loves a generous heart, a generous heart
Cause that’s a heart like His own heart
That’s a heart like His own
There are those who give away
It seems the more they give, the more they gain
There are others who hold back
The more they try to keep, the more they lack
The more they lack
Chorus
God has shown us how to give
He offered up His Son so we might live
Jesus gave His precious blood
To wash us clean and bring us back to God
Back to God
Chorus
We can’t out give God
For He’s the Giver of life
And ev’ry good thing
We can’t out give God
He just keeps pouring out more
He’s the wonderful King!
Lyrics