Daily Lesson for Monday 7th of September 2026
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1,5 and 2 Corinthians 9:7,9,13,15. What is the central message of these passages?
The language of giving pervades 2 Corinthians 8:1-24 and 9: “The grace of God . . . has been given” (2 Corinthians 8:1, ESV); “They gave themselves” (2 Corinthians 8:5, ESV); “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart . . . , for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV); “He has given to the poor” (2 Corinthians 9:9, ESV); “They will glorify God because of . . . the generosity of your contribution” (2 Corinthians 9:13, ESV); “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15, ESV). 2 Corinthians 8:1-24 and 9 begin and end with the language of giving (2 Corinthians 8:1 and 2 Corinthians 9:15). We must read these two chapters with the idea of giving in mind. They present at least four major reasons for giving our offerings.
Image © Phil McKay at Goodsalt.com
Gratitude for God’s grace (2 Corinthians 8:1; 2 Corinthians 9:14-15). 2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 begins with a reference to “the grace of God” (2 Corinthians 8:1). A little further, Paul says, “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 8:9, ESV). The grace of God and Christ is presented here as one’s primary reason for the practice of offering. God did so much for us by giving us Christ. By offering our gifts in return, we recognize the grace of God in our lives.
As with the concept of giving, the term “grace” (in Greek, charis) also occurs repeatedly in 2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15. Likewise, the word charis occurs at the beginning and the end of this passage (2 Corinthians 8:1; 2 Corinthians 9:14-15). Paul applies this term with different meanings in the passage to emphasize that the grace of Christ in our lives results in grace for others and for thanksgiving.
Desire to follow the example of Jesus (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus was rich and became poor (remember that these are symbols for His eternal pre-existence and then coming into humanity, respectively). There is only one way for that to have happened: He gave all. As for us, by sharing our offerings, we provide means for others to know Christ.
Desire to share God’s blessings (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). We give to others only because we first received from God. He enriches us so that we can be generous.
Sincere love (2 Corinthians 8:8,24). Giving is the test of sincere and genuine love. It is the most substantial evidence that love dwells in one’s heart. To use an English expression, it is to “put your money where your mouth is.”
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How generous are you? In light of the Cross, how much do you give in contrast to what you could give? |
