Reading Through The New Testament In 2016. Day 156. 2 Corinthians 8

Hey there! Erik for the next 5 days!

Here is a good quote:

“Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much;

Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.”

-William Cowper

This chapter definitely has an undertone of tithing within it. But I think this chapter is so much more than just tithing. Yes, tithing is important. If you believe in something, why wouldn’t you invest money into it?

I kind of look at this chapter and see Paul looking for us to have wisdom. The quote fits into this chapter’s tone quite a lot. You can parallel this with so many things. Yes, it says to give generously, and to give with genuine love. But I think that can be translated into so many different areas, too. It says they gave out of their own free will, and did not do it for any gain whatsoever.

Let’s remove money from this story, and replace it with anything else.

When you give anything, do you give without expecting anything in return? Do you give just out of the “free will” you were given? What you give can be anything: Time, money, energy, prayer, gifts, affection, or even attention. When you do this, do you expect nothing in return. Because what I am picking up here, is that we were already given everything.

Sit on that for a second. We were given everything we have, and have earned nothing. Without Jesus, we have nothing. God created us, and even above that blesses us continuously. So when you give, give knowing that you were already given everything.

Sitting here, reflecting on this, I know this sounds so good. My heart speeds up as I type this, and yet despite my quickened heart rate, I feel at ease. Do you know that feeling? I think this is something I am just beginning to understand and just starting to feel peace in, you know? I’ve only really started to understand what it means to be unselfish. To give because I was already given everything. I think that’s where the quote at the beginning of this reflection comes in. I’m beginning to receive wisdom from the Holy Spirit. And being okay with acknowledging that. I just see a glimmer of it though, especially in times I sit with Jesus.

Where in your life do you need to give me freely? Do you understand the wisdom behind giving everything because you’ve already been given everything? Do you struggle with this? I certainly do. Ask God to give you wisdom in your giving.