We Give You Only What You First Gave Us

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 12, 2023

We Give You Only What You First Gave Us

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

One of the first churches I visited in Cuba had a large bulletin board in the hallway. On the board were posted the names of the members of the church, how much they had pledged to the church, and how much they had paid toward their pledge.

Cheryl and I visited an African American church, where after the offering was received, a layperson stood before the congregation and gave a report on how much was received, including reading the names and amount for any person who gave by check or had used an offering envelop.

There are many customs and differing ways churches handle their finances. In recent times, online giving, or giving by automatic bank draft have become increasingly popular. But as for me and my house, we like to place our offering in the plate each week during the worship service. For me, it is a way of expressing my reverence and awe of God.

My Takeaway:  King David’s prayer to God: “But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!” (1 Chronicles 29:14)

Sē’lah

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.