PREPARED TO GIVE

PREPARED TO GIVE!

2 Cor 9:7-8

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

KJV

           The Jerusalem saints were suffering and in need due to persecution. Paul was appealing for donations for their relief. He was proud of the Corinthians for their generosity in the past but sends representatives to remind and help them in the collection.

2 Cor 9:5

5 That is why I thought it necessary to urge these brethren to go to you before I do and make arrangements in advance for this bountiful, promised gift of yours, so that it may be ready, not as an extortion [wrung out of you] but as a generous and willing gift.

AMPLIFIED NEW TESTAMENT

           Thoughtful and diligent preparation makes giving more joyful and generous. When hearts are full and pockets are empty, or when our pockets are full but our heart is unwilling, the result is the same. When we “make arrangements in advance” we can give openhandedly. In giving – be prepared.

Dear Lord, worthy causes are plentiful and my local church is one of them. Let me plan my giving. Give to me so that I can respond generously. AMEN