Opportunity for cheerful giving
Key Verses: 3, 6-8, 10,
Paul is performing a diplomatic mission on behalf of the Corinthian believers. Diplomacy can be a good thing in the proper context. Paul is trying to help the Corinthians live up to their words. Others have heard about their commitment to give and it would be a blemish on Christ if they did not keep their word.
The attitude of our heart as we give matters greatly, even more than the amount given. God blesses generosity, which is a sign of our attitude toward God, others and ourselves. Giving is a decision we make, not an emotion we follow. We can’t give generously if we feel pressured by others to give. We must want to give. When we have the right attitude in giving, then we allow God to bless us. He is able to bless us. When we have the wrong attitude we stand in the way of God’s blessings. He promises to bless in all things, at all times, and in all areas of need. He does this, not so that we are blessed, but so that we can about in every good work. It is never about us being blessed. It is about God using us to further His Kingdom.
God’s character is on the line when we give correctly. If we give the right way, God says He will supply and increase what we have so that we can further the Gospel. He gives richly to us so that we can be even more generous. We become a pipe through which God meets the needs of others which results in God being thanked. People’s eyes are lifted to The Source, resulting in thanksgiving.
We too often have the idea that God blesses us so that we can sit on our tails and relax. Nothing could be further from the truth. God blesses us so that we can bless others. We are not to be the Dead Sea, where everything flows in, but nothing flows out. If we are not giving, and giving generously, God can and will close off the supply line and pass His blessing through someone else. But when we are generous, people will see the result and thank God.
The Arnold Journey 