Christian Living and Christian Giving

Before you start todays devotional, ask the Lord to use it to grow you up in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Life has a way of knocking you off coursYou’re going about your own business, and then something hits you out of nowhere. Where do you go then? This letter to the Corinthians tells us we can get through this with God’s help. And then after He helps us, we can help each other.

Sometimes sin knocks us off track. If we don’t deal with it in God’s way, we don’t lose our salvation, but we lose our fellowship with God the way He wants to relate to us. Sadly, too often we don’t know by experience what a wonderful Father we have.

What can we do to change that?

Paul tells us, “Having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves” (7:1). No matter how hard we try, we can’t clean our own guilty conscience. But God has already cleansed us from our sins, once for all, through the death of Christ. But our hearts still need daily cleansing from all the ways we get dirty living here on earth.

That’s what happens when by faith, you hear and receive God’s Word every day and then do what it says: The Word cleans you up. (See John 17:17). The best bar of soap in the world is the Word of God.

Paul wrote to help us over anything that would hinder our growth. When a Christian is walking in sin, God says, “Turn around!” It’s shameful and embarrassing to be called out on sin. Often people (even Christians) will shed tears, but they might not truly be changing their minds about their sin. True repentance is when you regret your sin, see it as a wedge between you and God, and so you turn your back on it and walk towards Christ. We can do this because the Helper, who lives in us, comes alongside us and whispers strength into our spirits. He helps us live a life that pleases God.

From Christian living to Christian giving

Whenever you think about giving to God, think of the word “grace.” The early church considered giving to be a grace. It was a passion, an overwhelming desire to share the things of God with others.

Paul lays down principles about giving that is still sharp and fresh today. He says first, Christians are to be an example in giving. Then, support the work that blesses you spiritually. And finally, give cheerfully!

Some think God is poor and needs our gifts. He doesn't. (See Psalm 50:10-12.) If God doesn't have your heart, He doesn’t want one penny if you’d rather keep it for yourself. He’ll likely not use it either. He only wants you to give willingly and gladly. He loves a cheerful giver. Giving to Him should be the happiest part of our worship and is the real test of our faith. If you do not have the grace of giving, ask the Lord to give you a generous spirit. Give for the glory of God.

After all, no one can give as God gives. His greatest gift to us is His Son. Though Jesus was rich, He became poor for us. He left heaven and all its glory to come down as a missionary to this world. He came not only to live but to give His life in death for you. Generosity beyond words.

1. Why would Paul link the promises we have from God with our responsibility to constantly be cleansed?

2. Before the Corinthians could change their actions, they needed to change their minds. Is there anything in your life that you need to change your mind about?

3. Imagine you were putting together a list of needs your church could meet with its giving. What would you put on that list?

Additional Resources

Listen to Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s complete teachings on 2 Corinthians 7, 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 2 Corinthians 8:8—9:5 and 2 Corinthians 9:6—10:4.