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Cheerfully Giving

May 16th, 2024

2 Corinthians 9:1-7

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul seems to have gotten in front of his skis some. He had spent considerable time with the Corinthians and thought he had a good relationship with them. They had been generous and open with him. While visiting other towns, he boasted about them. Later, however, he found out that the so called “super-apostles” had driven a wedge.

Now that Paul was trying to collect the expected gift, his words could have come off as manipulative, but that would be a misreading. Paul was likely genuinely trying to prevent embarrassment and resentment. He did not want them to experience shame because of his words.

Maybe things had changed and the Corinthians were unable to make good on their promises. Maybe the rift had prevented them from giving cheerfully and they were doing it out of obligation.

Paul didn’t want people who gave out of remorse or because they were “guilted” into it. He was making sure everything was aboveboard. He asked only that they give what they could with cheerful hearts. After all, giving is a means of grace.

Author: Ryan Quanstrom