A Cheerful Giver

Design by Joshua Wong

 

Paul is writing to the Corinthians to remind them about their previous commitment. Earlier in 2 Corinthians 9:3-4, Paul mentions that he has told the Macedonians about a gift to be received.

Paul’s point in verse 6 is this: The one who sows less seed can expect to have less grain. The one who plants more seed will have a more bountiful harvest. It is true both in a physical and spiritual sense, the more we can “plant” or give out of a willing heart of love for our spiritual siblings, the more that love will bear crops.

However, those results may not necessarily be in the physical wealth and prosperity that we expect. It is instead in a much greater form;  the spiritual lives of the givers and those who receive their gifts. In that sense, money becomes evidence of love given in the name of Christ.

In essence, money and the giving of money becomes evidence of the love the Church has for one another and a testament of Christ’s love on Earth. In this season, do consider giving cheerfully to EAST.

Read more

Given All to be All Generous

 

“11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

God has given us all things to enjoy and in turn we are to bless others beyond measure through our generous giving of ourselves and all things. This results in a mutuality of joy by blessing others and by graciously accepting help from others. Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Read more