2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8


We are all called to be ministers of the Gospel of Christ. It is so important that we realize we all have a part in the work that the Lord is doing here and now, where ever you may be.

There were really 2 things that spoke to me in Chapter 8.

verse 12-14 “ For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have. For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality- At this present time your abundance being a supply for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want, that there may be equality; As it is written, “ He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack.””

This is so important for us as believers to realize that when there is a need it doesn’t mean we always are the ones to give.
I know that recently I was so down and out that when there was a need in the body I really felt guilty that I had nothing to give to those who were in need. What I realized was emotionally, I had nothing to give but physically I did. I shared what I had abundance of and that is all I needed to do.

Sometimes the enemy uses this to cause us to feel inadequate to prevent us from doing anything at all. What we need to do as believers is realize that in any situation where there is a spoken or realized need in another individual we should first ask our selves do I have anything that I can give from my abundance? I’m sure that in most cases your abundance will be just what is called for and if not then maybe it isn’t your time to share!
Paul wrote “if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have.”
Next time you are faced with giving remember 2 Corinthians 9:12.

The second thing that I gleaned from this chapter was Paul allowed another brother to join him in his work. Yet, he was not so eager to just take anyone along with him. It is important I believe in our ministry and life that we don’t just bring along any one who is willing to go and serve in the ministry. BUT that we should, as Paul did; in verses 20-22 “taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; For we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent, because of his great confidence in you.”

How often do we in ministry try to just find someone to fill the role of leader or teacher or mentor? I fear too often we jump on the first willing person. The first to be saved, the first to show any sign of leadership quality and these are the ones we put in leadership or a role of teaching or discipleship. This is no way to build a ministry or church. It is actually a “discredit” to those who are over the work. I believe this is a very important word and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. How much do we have regard for what is honorable? I’m sorry to say that in our work it was difficult to form churches because we did lack leadership. We didn’t have many actually churches but we did have bible study groups. I believe that Paul took time to develop leaders and not just save them and thrust them into leadership for the sake of calling it a church.

Let’s just stop for a moment and pray for those who are working overseas and in the states starting churches. What an important task this is and how important it is for those in the role as Church Starter to develop and invest in good leaders. Let us pray that the workers overseas and in the states will be made aware of the importance of testing those who will be in leadership and that they would be found diligent to carry out the work.

Lord sharing our faith and doing Your work comes with responsibility. I pray for those who work and live to serve you in starting churches that they would be made mindful of the need to test those and see that they are diligent. Lord bless the work of your laborers and multiply their fruit! I pray this in Your Son’s Name!
The Name of Jesus!
Amen………………………………….