Give Eagerly

2 Cor. 8:12 "Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly."

Paul is encouraging the Corinthian believers to complete the offering pledges they had committed to earlier.  Paul wants them to finish what they started and do so eagerly and enthusiastically.

Do I give eagerly or grudgingly?   Lately, it has been more fun to give.  I enjoy increasing my offering year to year.  I have been blessed and I desperately want to be a blessing to others via my church giving, and World Vision donations.  But I still have a long way to go.

Dear Lord, help become even more generous so that I can be a blessing to others.  Amen.

Truth Hurts

2 Cor. 7:9 "Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways."

In verse 8, Paul suggests he felt a little remorse upon sending an earlier letter to the Corinthians but ultimately he was glad he did as it led to change within the church.

The truth can sting.  It can hurt.  But the truth always leads to better things...better insight, better understanding, and better behavior.  Who do I need to be more truthful with today? 

Dear Lord, help me speak truth even when it hurts.  Amen.