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GIVE.

2 Corinthians 8:7
"Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also."

In the Second letter to the Corinthians, from the Apostle Paul, he has used churches of Macedonia as an example of generous giving. The Macedonians gave freely and generously, turning over their charity to the Apostles to redistribute it as needed. They were modle givers, great examples for the Corinthians to follow. An inspiration to us all.

Paul emphasizes the point; they had done what was far beyond his hopes. They gave, not only their money, but themselves, their time, their energy, to the church. They were able to do this because they allowed the will of God to work upon them. Paul has begun to praise the Corinthians; Titus delivered the First Letter to them and witnessed improvement in their situation. Titus has returned to Corinth with this Second Letter to bring the good work to its completion.

Today's verse Paul brings home the encouragement; "Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye ABOUND in this GRACE ALSO." Abound in the grace of GIVING! Yes! Do everything well; FAITH, believe the truth of gospel, and received Christ as your Savior. UTTERANCE, to speak to God in prayer and to men by prophecy and exhortation. KNOWLEDGE, learn the Gospel and all of Holy Scriptures, learn the traditions and hymns. But, none of this matters if the "Christian" has not learned to GIVE. Until we learn to GIVE of ourselves we will not be real followers of our Lord and Savior. 
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