8-17-20 THOUGHTS

The idea in God’s Word that we ought to do something or be something because GOD DID THIS FOR US (whatever is the subject) is everywhere.  

Example:  1John 4:11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Following that pattern, we look at 2Cor 8:7-15 where GIVING is the topic.  Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to complete what they had started.  May I pause to say “That’s a lesson I need all by itself.  Finish what you start!”  

2Cor 8:7-15   But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. 8  I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also.  9  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 10  I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. 11  But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. 12  For if the readiness is present,   it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13  For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality —   14  at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality; 15  as it is written, "HE WHO gathered MUCH DID NOT HAVE TOO MUCH, AND HE WHO gathered LITTLE HAD NO LACK."

By Jesus becoming POOR... I BECAME RICH!   What a GIFT OF GRACE & MERCY!   A READINESS TO SHARE THAT MUST BE MINE!  THAT’S EQUALITY, IT’S RIGHT!
Whether we are talking about physical things, or spiritual things,  GOD HAS BLESSED US!
THE BLESSED SHOULD BLESS!   WE SHOULD LEARN TO REJOICE AS WE BLESS OTHERS!   The Christian MUST LEARN TO GIVE!  But more, we need desperately to SEE THE JOY IN GIVING!  
WHEN I THINK OF HOW BLESSED I AM...   [I think that’s a good place to stop.]

My Prayer:
We praise you Lord God for grace and mercy and love in Christ Jesus.  Cause us to see how blessed we are at your hand.  Help us ever to be thankful.  Teach us to be gracious in our giving, whether in time, or dollars.  Make us your willing servants that we may serve joyfully. May we rejoice in following your ways.                       In Jesus name              Amen