PURPOSE TO GIVE
The church in Corinth was told to purpose in their hearts to give (2 Cor. 9:7). The word “pur- pose” means to choose for oneself one thing before another thing. To purpose therefore is to willingly predetermine what we will give rather than giving in a haphazard manner. Everyone who prospers is to lay by him in store (1 Cor. 16:1-2). Each Christian is to carry his/her part of the load. Such was the case in Mark 12:41-44, though the poor widow was proportionately carrying the greater part of the load. Jesus praised her. Those who give are not to give “grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). The word “cheerful” means readiness of mind or joyousness. Christians are glad rather than sad to give to the Lord and to His cause. Jesus said to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly (2 Cor. 9:6). The Macedonians gave beyond their power (2 Cor. 8:1-4). God gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16), and Jesus