Right at the beginning of Chapter 7, Paul affectionately addresses the Corinthian
church. He calls them “dear friends”. He urges them to “purify [themselves]
from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of
reverence for God”. Paul then tells them, “Make room for us in your hearts.”
When we make room for someone in our heart we love them well.
The commentary in my Bible explains, Many think
that when God comforts us, our troubles should go away. But if that were always
so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain and not
out of love for him. We must understand that being comforted can also mean
receiving strength, encouragement, and hope from God and others, to help us
deal with our troubles. Godly sorrow can result in changed behavior, but many
people are sorry only for the effects of their sins or for being caught [which
would be described as] (worldly sorrow)...
He wants them to thrive in their faith, to grow
and mature, and to be full of joy, grace and generousity.
In Chapters 8 and 9 Paul writes, “I want to test
the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.”
Paul praised the Corinthians in many areas- “you excel in everything – in
faith, in speech, and knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we
have kindled in you – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
One commentator writes: The churches in
Macedonia – Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea – had given money even though
they were poor, and they had sacrificially given more than Paul had expected.
The amount we give is not as important as why and how we give. God does not
want us to give gifts grudgingly. Instead, he wants us to give as these
churches did – out of dedication to Christ, love for fellow believers, the joy
of helping those in need, and the knowledge that it is simply the good and
right response. How can we adjust our attitude so that we see it as a privilege
to share with those in need? God can give us the desire and enable us to
increase our capacity to give. It is an opportunity for growth just as it was for
the Corinthians.
Verses 6-8 in Chapter 9 Paul writes these
familiar words, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you
should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you
abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you
will abound in every good work.”
Listen to this commentary challenge: People may
hesitate to give generously to God because they worry about having enough money
left over to meet their own needs. They may think, What about retirement or
emergencies? What if I lose my job? Paul assured the Corinthians that God would
be able to meet their needs. They will have everything they need in every
situation. Don’t let worry rob you of God’s blessings. Paul wanted his readers
to be generous on every occasion. As he appealed to the Corinthians to give
sacrificially to aid the Jerusalem congregation, he reminded them that God is
the source of everything good.
Let’s pray: Father God thanks be to you for your
indescribable gift. You have given us joy, peace, grace through your son Jesus
Christ. Paul reminds us that we will be enriched in every way so that we can be
generous on every occasion. Help us to be generous because of the example of
the Lord of life. You are yourself a cheerful giver. You are pleased when we
who are created in your image give generously and joyfully. Help us to make
room in our heart to love one another well, especially our spiritual leaders
and those in our church body. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart;
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.
Author: George W. Cooke
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