1st Corinthians chapter 8 begins with the Apostle Paul commending the churches of Macedonia for their liberality in giving.  The churches in that region of the world were oppressed and less fortunate (vs 2) than those in Corinth but yet they had given of their means beyond expectation (vs 3) to help the brethren. Paul then commends the Church at Corinth for their faith, utterance (teaching), knowledge, diligence and love (vs 4) and exhorts them to prove their love by following through with their giving (vs 8). In addition to these commendations as motivation to move forward, the Scripture cites the poverty that Jesus experienced on the behalf of mankind.  He became poor that we might become rich. (9)

By command (1 Cor. 16:1-3) and by love the Corinthians were motivated to help their brethren by giving into a common collection.  They had begun this effort a year earlier (vs 10), but they had failed to follow through. This happened though they were commended as faithful and loving.

Are we ever this way? How often do we hear of a need and are motivated to help by command (Gal 6:10) and our love, only to fall short of completing the task.  After the initial joy of giving is felt we lose interest in meeting the need. We leave the work for someone else to finish.

We need to work hard at being finishers (2nd Tim 4:7) for this is pleasing to God.

 

How God Saves – – Keep the Faith.