One of my favorite television programs is Game Show Network’s “America Says.” Contestants are challenged to fill in a blank as people in a survey have filled in the blank. For example, how would you fill in this blank? “______________ is the best place in the world to go skiing.” (On the show, you would be provided the first letter of the top seven answers.) One reason I enjoy this show is that I can play along at home. Of course, I am fairly limited in my knowledge of places to ski!
In 2 Corinthians 9, the apostle Paul offers a fill-in-the-blank opportunity. “__________________ is the way we are supposed to thank God for the gifts God has given us.” Sneak a look at verse 11. Our own giving is the way we thank God for what has been given us.
I can give money. I can give time. I can give relationship. I can give testimony. I can give ___________________________ . (You fill in the blank!)
There is something interesting about the word translated “generosity” in verse 11. In the New Testament language it is haplŏtēs. That word, in turn, comes from another Greek word that means “single” or “put together to make one.” In other words, generosity is not measured by the amount I give, but is measured by priority I have for what I give. Is this gift the single most important thing I can do with what I have? That’s what Paul is celebrating: the Corinthians have made helping others (the Macedonians, in this case) as their number one—single—priority.
I am left to wonder: What is “number one” in my sharing? If push comes to shove, what gets the “generosity” of the local church’s resources?
Paul says God’s love for us is “indescribable” (v.15). The King James Version says God’s love is “unspeakable.” Lamsa puts it this way: “incomparable gift.” New English Bible renders the phrase “gift beyond words.” And Paul says that the way we give thanks for such a gift is by the way we give.
What Someone Else Has Said: In Twelve Keys to an Effective Church (Harper and Row), Kennon L. Callahan wrote: “’Saving money’ does not constitute an adequate stewardship theology. Indeed, the notion that the purpose of stewardship is to help a congregation to conserve its funds is, in fact, counter to the biblical witness.”
Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “God of unfailing gifts, move my heart and hand to thank You by giving to others...”
