Grace is God’s unmerited favor on us. He gives us what we don’t deserve, and He doesn’t give us what we do deserve.
In this last part of II Corinthians, Paul focuses on God’s grace in several situations. The one area that spoke to me most was grace through giving.
We should give generously because of God’s grace in our lives. I love this quote from the lecture last night: “The grace of God opens our hearts and our hands.” Because of all that God has given me, I should joyfully, generously, enthusiastically and willingly give to others. What does my giving say about my relationship with God?
As a family, we’re very faithful in our weekly offering at church. But the giving Paul discusses in II Corinthians 8 and 9 isn’t restricted only to money. Christians also should give of our resources, time and even ourselves. Where I have many blessings, I should respond in thanksgiving to God by sharing my wealth with others. I shouldn’t ignore the needs of others in my life.
Consider the riches I have in Christ. With all of those blessings, how could I not give to others?