Wat Mis

While all of the things you mentioned are good things to do, I think the whole passage of 2 Corinthians 9 is speaking of the character and heart intention of the giver.

Remember the parable Jesus used about the old lady who gave a couple meager coins vs those who gave out of their wealth (Mark 12:43-44)? It was an example of sacrifice out of generosity. She gave more than she actually could afford to give, but also it implies humility in her giving in contrast with the rich who gave out of plenty. It actually cost them nothing. 

In general, the whole teachings of Christ is one of obedient sacrifice and of a clean heart when giving. Whatever you have to give, whether in means, goods, or deeds, give with a willing cheerful spirit expecting nothing in return because the Lord repays all for what they do. 

So it's an attitude and mindset that is important. Be honest in how much you can give; whether of time or goods, and do so willing and not grudgingly because you give and do all as unto God.

January 09 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Petsney Olajide

Contextually speaking, Paul was speaking of giving materially and financially in II Corinthians 9:6 and in view of the Noahic conventant of seed time and harvest (Genesis 8:20-21; Ecclesiastes 3:2), tells of the assurance of the harvest of our investment into the kingdom business and much more, that investments and harvests have degrees and that the degree of our harvest comes in response to the degree of our sowing.

Having said that, need to also point out the following to explain more about giving.

Firstly, a summary of 2 Corinthians 9 is that Paul wants to ensure the readiness of the church at Corinth to giving materially and monetarily to the cause of the gospel and in attendance to the needs of the church folks at large of which they have indicated earlier, their interest to give. And not just give, but give well with full assurance that God can enable them give well by having made necessary provisions for them to give to the course of the gospel and to meet brethren's need. Also, that God can cause a praise to Himself via their generosity to church.

Secondly, this is not strange to the obtainable practice of the early church. Right from the days of Jesus, lives touched had always in response given to further the cause of the gospel (Luke 8:1-2). And down till after the Holy Spirit was received in the account of Acts, men never cease to give after the filling of God's spirit. He brings them in fellowship with Himself, make them of one heart, and then cause a willingness to minster of their substance (Acts 2:42-45; Acts 4:31-37; Acts 11:29-30).

Thirdly, our judgement on giving is at variance with God's in the sense that we judge from the quantity and quality given but God judges from the quality of our heart and the quantity left after given. This was reflected by the teachings of Jesus (Mark 12:41-45, Luke 21:1-4).

Fourthly, we as believers should habitual sowers. We should always keep and open and excited heart to respond to the call to give. Ecclesiastes 11:6).

Fifthly, there are seasons to sow and they come by solely by the prompting of the Spirit and such season is regardless of external or environment or weatheric seasons (Ecclesiastes 11:4-5; Genesis 26:12).

Lastly, the posture of our heart when giving matters as there could be consequences (Acts 5:1-11). The character of our given must stem from a right heart. Giving is not compulsory though necessary and we should note that we cannot outgive God in our generosity neither is it a time for showoffs nor a time for being trickery. Ananias and Sapphira did and ended their lives. That is how sacred God holds our heart of given over our gifts. 2 Corinthians 9:7 advises that gift should neither be with grudge nor with distress (by compulsion) but God loves a cheerful giver.

August 19 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report