Where to Give Yourself First

Written by Gail Rodgers

“They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:5)

Do you ever look at the needs around you and wonder where to give yourself first? In this chapter of 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul is talking to the believers about grace and generosity. In verse seven Paul says, “see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

This verse is particularly challenging because this past season has been quite busy in our home. There was a whole host of needs that needed to be met and I wasn’t sure how it would all work out. The needs involved people that we loved dearly, yet as I read the words “excel in this grace of giving,”  I sighed. When I get tired I often don’t feel like I am excelling much in this grace of giving.

The Offering Plate

by Anne Cetas

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Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

See that you abound in this grace also. —2 Corinthians 8:7

Bible in a Year:
Psalms 112-114

Ed Dobson, my former pastor, often said that he disliked preaching about financial giving to the church. He said his previous job required fundraising, so he didn’t like putting any unnecessary pressure on people. 

But when he was teaching through 2 Corinthians, and he came to chapters 8 and 9, he couldn’t avoid the topic of giving. 

What I remember most about his sermon was the illustration he used. He placed an offering plate on the floor, stepped into it, and stood there as he talked about the importance of giving our whole selves to the Lord, not just our wallets.