Today Our Daily Bread 2 Cor 8 (English)

2 Corinthians 8:24
1 Now I want to tell you, dear brothers and sisters, F22 what God in his kindness has done for the churches in Macedonia. 2 Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the gracious privilege of sharing in the gift for the Christians in Jerusalem. 5 Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God might give them. 6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to complete your share in this ministry of giving.
7 Since you excel in so many ways – you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us F23 – now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving. 8 I am not saying you must do it, even though the other churches are eager to do it. This is one way to prove your love is real. 9 You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was. Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 10 I suggest that you finish what you started a year ago, for you were the first to propose this idea, and you were the first to begin doing something about it. 11 Now you should carry this project through to completion just as enthusiastically as you began it. Give whatever you can according to what you have. 12 If you are really eager to give, it isn't important how much you are able to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you don't have. 13 Of course, I don't mean you should give so much that you suffer from having too little. I only mean that there should be some equality. 14 Right now you have plenty and can help them. Then at some other time they can share with you when you need it. In this way, everyone's needs will be met. 15 Do you remember what the Scriptures say about this? "Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough." F24
16 I am thankful to God that he has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have. 17 He welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was eager to go and see you. 18 We are also sending another brother with Titus. He is highly praised in all the churches as a preacher of the Good News. 19 He was appointed by the churches to accompany us as we take the offering to Jerusalem F25 – a service that glorifies the Lord and shows our eagerness to help. 20 By traveling together we will guard against any suspicion, for we are anxious that no one should find fault with the way we are handling this generous gift. 21 We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to know we are honorable. 22 And we are also sending with them another brother who has been thoroughly tested and has shown how earnest he is on many occasions. He is now even more enthusiastic because of his increased confidence in you. 23 If anyone asks about Titus, say that he is my partner who works with me to help you. And these brothers are representatives F26 of the churches. They are splendid examples of those who bring glory to Christ. 24 So show them your love, and prove to all the churches that our boasting about you is justified

~Lena’s Comments~
Giving is not required, because it is a responsive action of who we are and of the character of God in us. It is also a sign of that character being developed in us, because our Father is the Giver of Life. When He created us- He gave, when He wanted to express love for us- He gave, when He wanted to redeem us-he also gave. Isn’t it funny how society has put even $ into the meaning of the word "redemption"? There is a payment due and God stepped up, because of Love and paid it’s high penalty. Trust is expressed in Giving. God gives, we receive. It’s almost like buying and selling, but because of the love and trust relationship it is far more than that, It is expressed in giving and receiving. With buying and selling, there is a price and we pay it and the transaction is over. With giving and receiving, we give and another receives then there is an account set up where the action is stored up and it begins to multiply more seed to give, it grows and increases in its potential of and for great blessing. No, we don’t have to give, but when we do become participators of God’s character, WOW we begin to act and see ourselves acting in accordance with and in fellowship with His nature. It’s like we join in the play on the field rather than standing on the sidelines. God is pleased to have us in the "game" of eternal life as participating and beneficial members of the active "team." We don’t only look like and act like Him, but we are showing Him to others. How can it be that a person of meager means can give more than one with much? It is not counted in Quantity as in #’s. It’s counted in Quality as in participation. That giver is rich in the kingdom, because they are becoming one with the heart of God.