“Joyfully learning, living, and sharing God's Word”

Our Congregational Life Committee looked at annual Stewardship Programs for this Fall and decided on one called, “Abundant Joy, Overflow-ng Generosity.” Great name, isn't it? The program is based on themes found in First and Second Corinthians.

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was based on his problems and concerns within the congregation. This led to a falling out that made Paul worry it might be too painful for him to even visit Corinth (2 Corinthians 2:1). Until he heard from Titus how the Corinthians loved and missed him, Paul and the church were very wary of each other.

At the same time, a great famine made the disciples determined to offer support “according to their ability” to believers in Judea. Paul and Barnabus were going to deliver the aid to Jerusalem. To inspire the Corinthians to donate to this cause, Paul describes the generous giving of the churches of Macedonia.

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” ~2 Corinthians 8:1-7

In this verse, Paul is not challenging the Corinthians to match the donations of the Macedonians. The amount of the offering is not the point. The spirit of the gift—“giving themselves first to the Lord”—is the point. What follows this “by the will of God” is the giving. For us too, God grants free grace for abundant joy and overflowing generosity.

Kim Toohey, 

Congregational Life chair