2Corinthians 8: 1 – 15

September 22, 2022

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

We do this now “11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.” When we tithe each week, we support not only our own churches but other churches in our diocese and also mission churches here and abroad.

As always … it’s not enough just to think about what you’d like to do for your church – don’t mistake me, it’s lovely that you have those thoughts – it has to be followed with action. You don’t have to do it alone, talk to your church friends and see if they can come along side and assist. You’d be surprised how quickly folks will support each other in this. You can do fund raisers, cleaning days, painting days, garden days (how about a ‘Weed Whack Wednesday’ after Morning Prayer???) … wherever there is need, supply the answer.

Ever notice how it’s always the same people who do all the work at church? Be bold! Be the ‘new’ person who steps up.

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