2 Corinthians 9--"The Cheerful Giver"

Paul knows he's being excessive in writing to the Corinthians concerning giving, because they have been ready and willing givers in the past.  In fact, he's spent a lot of time in his travels building them up.  While he was in Macedonia asking for ministry partnership commitments, he tells them that Achaia (Corinth included) has been on board since last year.  (Refer to the map from day 1 if you're interested 😀) Knowing that Corinth was committed set Macedonia on fire with passion for the ministry.  Paul gently (but not so subtly) reminds the Corinthian believers to follow through on their commitment. If not,  Paul will have to face them without the promised gift, which would be embarrassing to him and everyone else involved.  He encourages them to remember this was a willing gift, not something forced.  So he doesn't want the people he's sending to pick it up to have to beg for it.  He wraps up his appeal by saying that if they're going to  give little, they will get little.  If they sow a lot, they will get a lot.  But not in a "prosperity gospel" mentality, but because the heart longs to give, which is life-changing.  And even if it's hard to let go of the gift, God is able to help you to grow and mature in every good work.  Paul quotes Psalm 112:9 to tie modern day giving within the church with Old Testament wisdom.  Paul reminds them that everything they have is actually from God, so of course He will provide the means to give generously in every way, not only financially.  That will lead to thanksgiving among the people of God as the Gospel moves forward, powered by the open hearts and hands of those who confess Christ Jesus.  This kind of unrestrained generosity is a gift to God's people, and it's just a snapshot of the overshadowing gift of grace.  This should prompt our heart to worship!!!

It's easy to see how this chapter could be misinterpreted as an argument for a prosperity gospel.  A "you give me something, I'll give you something" mentality.  But the difference is in the intention.  The saying "It's not how much of my money I give to God, it's how much of God's money I keep for myself" really fits here.  (I feel like I've used this saying in another study... sorry for being repetitive!!)  Generosity of money, time, resources, talent, gifts all flow from God who first gave so generously to us.  We can't outgive God, we can't impress God because His gift far outdistances ours.  I am changed by verse 8.  When I feel like I have nothing to give, that's when God's grace THRIVES!!! The Gospel is God's Good News, and because He loves us, He gives us a part to play.  Anything we lack, He supplies for the purpose of paying it forward.  He loves a cheerful, willing giver.  The pattern of generosity is Christ Jesus.  Thanks be to God for His gift that is beyond words!!