Grace to Give

But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace [of giving] also. 2 Corinthians 8:7 Recommended Reading 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 How often do you use, or hear others use, the word “grace” in conversation? It is one of the most often-used words in Christianity, but one of the hardest to define. For instance, “grace” is the word at the root of spiritual gifts in the New Testament, and as such represents special favor or ability from God. Grace, directly or indirectly, almost always refers to power or ability from God to live supernaturally. For that reason, when it came time for Paul to ask the church at Corinth to participate in his financial rescue plan for the suffering church in Jerusalem, he knew it would only happen by the grace of God. Why? Because he was asking people with few and limited means to give generously. So in 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 the word “grace” appears four times, and twice more in chapter nine on the same subject. It takes God’s grace to give, and even more grace to give sacrificially—the same kind of grace Jesus Christ displayed when He intentionally became poor that we might be made rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). If you struggle to give, and resist giving sacrificially, ask God to give you grace. A giving Saviour should have giving disciples. J. C. Ryle