What, No Tote Bag?
- It's still pledge drive week in 2 Corinthians. Paul continues to talk about money while the Corinthians consider listening to another station for a chapter or two.
- Paul tells the Corinthians that he's been talking them up to the church in Macedonia. He's already told everyone how faithful they are and that they're ready to give with open hearts and open wallets. Right, everyone?
- But, just in case… he's sending Titus and the other two guys ahead. He wants to make sure the Corinthians are ready to give and aren't in a stingy mood.
- If Paul arrived in Corinth with the Macedonians and it turned out the Corinthians didn't greet them with open wallets, Paul "would be humiliated."
- So Paul has asked these three gents to go ahead and make sure that Corinth will have their generous gift ready—just like they promised they would. Hey, you did promise.
- He'd also like the gift to be voluntary. It's not like he's trying to extort them or something. No, not at all.
- Basically, Paul's whole point is this: if you give, you get. It's as simple as that.
- But people have to make up their own minds. He can't force them. Then they'd be grumpy. And remember, "God loves a cheerful giver."
- Trust Paul. God is going to provide for those who provide for others.
- Plus, a commitment to share with other Christians also shows their love for Christ and their devotion to the gospel. Paul believes we're all in this together. Sharing is caring.