2 Corinthians 9:7- Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. English Standard Version (ESV)
It is that time of year again when we will be receiving tax information including information on our "charitable" giving. The statements will be a reminder of what has been given in support of the local church and other organizations.
The word for decide or choose is not simply to decide or choose, but to choose ahead, to plan on and choose deliberately. Opportunities will come along for us to give "spontaneously" but our action to give will be based on the past decision of choosing to give.
In a Bible commentary on this passage I read that the word "proaireo" can refer to grasping of ones hand from one's stores or reserves. Here that store or reserve is from our own hearts, the choice to give comes from deep within our hearts. But we as Christians, don't or won't take credit for this ourselves. The ability and the choice to give arises from the grace that God has put in our hearts. He provides "sufficiency" that we can give, He meets our needs and compels us to help meet the needs to others.
As you contemplate and think about opportunities to give, whether financially or in service this year, plan ahead, pray ahead, look forward as to how God will "pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done." 2 Cor.9:8-9 The Message God loves a cheerful, "prompt to do it" (AMP) giver.
In Christ,
Mike
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
The Message (MSG)
6-7 Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
The Message (MSG)
6-7 Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.
8-11 God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,
He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.
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