Paul concludes his focus on giving and seems very confident in the eagerness of the Corinthian church. However, he does want to drive the point home about being cheerful. When we give to the church or to the work of missions, we should never feel like it is an obligation. Especially when sitting in a pew and the offering plate goes by, our giving is between us and God, and he wants us to be cheerful about it.
In Paul’s day, offerings were collected for the founding church in Jerusalem. Much like today, a church will set aside a portion of the weekly tithes and offerings for benevolence or mission giving. At least this was true for all the churches my husband served over the years. As a child, I didn’t quite understand the historical, Biblical meaning behind that practice. Seeing that we were continuing something Paul and the early church initiated is quite meaningful.
Paul’s counsel to the Corinthian church speaks to us as individuals, too. The church can’t fulfill its mission without our gifts. Our generosity is needed to further the gospel. In addition to the needs of our home church, there are plenty of non-profit mission organizations working feverishly to spread the light of Christ into this dark world. Cheerfully support as many as you can.
Some people have a hard time parting with their money. I remember the days of stretching every penny each month on my budget, afraid to give anything to the church lest I not be able to pay the rent or buy groceries. Paul’s counsel here reminds us that God will provide for us. Don’t forget how generous our God can be. We will always have what we need. Paul quotes Psalm 112:9, “They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
What spoke to me in this passage was how our cheerful giving blesses others, so that they give thanks to God in response. I can just imagine someone is praying to God right now for something that my offering is going to provide for. How powerful to see God’s economy at work! I may never know who is praising God in this moment because of my faithful giving, but I can be thankful for how God uses my giving dollars.
Verse 7 sums it up well. “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’” How will you be cheerful today?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for all the many blessings you give me each day. My life is overflowing with evidence of your love and mercy. Help me to be generous with all the abundance you have given me. I love the cheerful feeling I get when I share my gifts with the church and other ministries. Use my giving dollars to bless others so that they can give you praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
