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Monday, October 29th (Day Fifteen)

Read:
2 Corinthians 8:1-15

"...excel also in the gift of giving."

Reflect:
It is likely that Paul is referring to the Philippian church in verse 1 of this passage when he mentions "the churches of Macedonia" that gave sacrificially even in a severe test of affliction.

The Corinthian church, by contrast, was in a much more comfortable state. They were at peace and were experiencing an economic boom of sorts. This boom, however, did not translate into spiritual vitality. That is why Paul challenges them by pointing to others. "The Macedonians," he says, "gave generously even though they were suffering. You are comfortable and excel in many things, excel also in this gift of giving."

Some of us are very comfortable today; some of us less so. But Paul teaches us that, though the gift of giving is both for the comfortable and the uncomfortable, those with financial abundance have an added responsibility - our "abundance at the present time should supply their need." Let us take Paul seriously here and challenge ourselves to excel in this grace also.

Apply:

1. Why does Paul call generous giving a "grace." How does your understanding of God's grace motivate you to give generously?
2. How would you place yourself with respect to the Philippian church (not wealthy but generous) and the Corinthian church (comfortable but struggling to give)? If you are in the latter, how does this passage motivate you to excel in the grace of giving?

Pray:

1. That God would give you the grace necessary to excel in the grace of giving.
2. That, as a church, we would not struggle to give generously to the cause of the gospel in our relative comfort and prosperity.