Excel In The Grace Of Giving
But just as you excel in everything– in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us–see that you also excel in this grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV).
Every Christian is supposed to be passionate about God’s work, and put their resources into the push and spread of the Gospel around the world. But there’re usually those who are more passionate than others. They’re the ones Paul referred to in our theme scripture: they excel in the grace of giving.
Giving is a grace; it’s one of the spiritual gifts in the Bible. What makes it spiritual is that it’s God who gives the ability. Romans 12:6-8 says, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith…he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity….” Remember, He already said that upon receiving the Holy Spirit, we would all prophesy: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…” (Acts 2:17). However, the Word also says, “…to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom” (1 Corinthians 12:8), even though the Holy Ghost enables everyone to prophesy and to see visions.
In the same way, everyone is enabled to give, but the grace of giving is also a gift. And the Bible says, “… earnestly covet the best gifts…” (1 Corinthians 12:31). So, it’s okay to covet and desire to excel in the grace of giving. In every gift of God, you get better by practice. So, practise giving your best; it comes with its myriads of blessings and promotions of the Spirit. Praise God!
PRAYER
Precious Father, I thank you for the understanding of your Word granted me even now; thank you for making all grace—every favour and earthly blessing— come to me in abundance, so that I may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need, be self-sufficient, possessing enough to require no aid or support, furnished in abundance, for every good work, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 12:6-8; Luke 8:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8:9-10 AMPC
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 28 & Leviticus 4-5
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 17:22-34 & Psalm 17-18
