2 Corinthians 8:7, " Since you excel in so many ways-in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us-I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving."

Think

"It's not about what you make, it's about what you give." "We got you. We'll cover it. We're with you." That's what the Church in Corinth promised, but they didn't come through in the end. Paul, writing to the Christ-followers in Corinth, celebrated their faith, their speech, their knowledge, their enthusiasm, and their love. But they had missed something. They had previously made a commitment to help others by giving generously but then backed out. Today's verse reminds us that as followers of Christ we cannot truly excel in our relationship with Jesus if we are not excelling in our generosity. To excel at something is to go above and beyond. Jesus went above and beyond for us and he expects us to go above and beyond for him.

Act

Today, go to your banking app and look at the last several weeks of expenses. Make note of some expenses you could cut to position yourself to be more generous.

1. What are some quick goals you could set?
2. What are some changes you can make in your spending?
3. Who could you ask for help in making a budget?

Pray

God, I ask for the wisdom to plan and organize myself so I can excel in generosity and in my relationship with you. Give me the courage to stay committed, no matter what. Amen.