Devotion by Vincent Tan (Pastoral Supervisor)
2 Corinthians 8 (TLB)
7 You people there are leaders in so many ways—you have so much faith, so many good preachers, so much learning, so much enthusiasm, so much love for us. Now I want you to be leaders also in the spirit of cheerful giving.
Here, Paul praises the Corinthians. Like all of us who graduated from SOT or grew up in our respective churches, the Corinthians were leaders “in faith, in speech (preaching) spiritual hunger (in the Word and the Spirit), and their love (for one another).”
Yet Paul challenges them, “Now I want you to be leaders also in the spirit of cheerful giving.” Why “cheerful giving”, you may ask. This is because giving itself is not meant to be done grudgingly or forcefully. But rather, giving is a disciple’s expression of immense joy and gratitude for all God has given us. It is rooted from a heart so full of God’s grace that overflows evidently through our giving.
Cheerful giving demonstrates our faith in God’s provision in all areas of our lives – financially, emotionally, mentally, spiritually.
Cheerful giving frees us from the grip of fear and selfishness. It is a declaration that “God, You will provide for me as I share with others,” never afraid of being in lack or taken advantage by other people.
Paul’s words challenge us today. More than exceling in bible knowledge, prayer, or serving in church, do we excel in generosity? As leaders or leaders-to-be in our churches, ministries or in the marketplace, do we lead in cheerful giving?
SOT Alumni, we must desire to raise up generations of cheerful leaders (disciples) in our churches, who will in turn raise up many more cheerful leaders (disciples) in many more generations to come.
As a youth pastoral staff, one of deepest desires is to see God raising up a generation of leaders, who are not just strong in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in prayer, and in their love for one another. I yearn to see God raising up leaders of cheerful giving among us, who will give for the expansion of God’s Kingdom in this generation, and many generations to come.
And I pray for the same for you too in your church and community.