“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:2 ESV).
Ironically, the church in Corinth, one of the most wealthy among the 1st Century churches, was the one that Paul had to do the most teaching on generosity. In the poorer churches, like the churches in Macedonia, it seemed giving came easily. They gave with such generosity that Paul was astounded, because they gave “beyond their ability” (2 Cor. 8:3) and this, with great joy and willingness. Yet, even in Paul’s second letter to the well-to-do believers in Corinth, it is obvious that they still weren’t living with generosity.
Notice Paul’s helpful instruction on giving, he taught them…
1) When to give: Every “first day,” or Sunday.
2) Who should give: “Each of you.”
3) How much to give: “As he may prosper,” in other words, according to one’s earnings.
Corinth was wealthy in every way except in generosity. They abounded in “everything–– in faith, in speech, in knowledge” (2 Cor. 8:7), yet Paul would have them abound in the grace of giving.
America is like Corinth. Wealthy in every way. Yet materialism and greed infect the souls of its people. What is the antidote? Generosity is the antidote for greed. May the Lord cause us to abound in the grace of giving.
PRAYER: Dear Father, You loved us so much that You gave Your only Son. How can we withhold anything from You? Teach us to be generous in every way. May we become like You in excelling in the grace of giving. In Jesus’ name, amen.