How can we "finish the work" of giving in our daily lives? A verse that pushes us forward “Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.” — 2 Corinthians 8:11 What “finish the work” means for us • Move from good intentions to concrete action • Match our passion with follow-through, not permitting delay or distraction • Give “according to your means,” trusting God will never ask for what He will not supply (cf. Philippians 4:19) The attitude that keeps giving on course • Readiness: decide ahead of time that generosity is non-negotiable (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Sincerity: give because love compels you, not pressure or guilt (Romans 12:9) • Confidence: God pours back more than we release (Luke 6:38) • Stewardship: everything we hold already belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1) Practical ways to carry generosity across the finish line 1. Budget for it first. Honor the LORD with “firstfruits” (Proverbs 3:9-10). 2. Automate what you can. Regular transfers to church or missions keep intentions from drifting. 3. Keep margin. Simpler lifestyles free resources for kingdom work. 4. Schedule acts of mercy. Put a monthly reminder to check on a widow, buy groceries for a family, or top up a missionary’s support. 5. Track progress. A giving journal records God’s faithfulness and sparks fresh joy. 6. Involve others. Invite family and friends to join projects; mutual encouragement helps you finish. 7. Revisit commitments. If God increases your means, increase your completion (2 Corinthians 9:8). 8. Close every loop. When you pledge, pay; when you promise to serve, show up (Matthew 5:37). Scriptures that fuel consistent generosity • “Give, and it will be given to you.” — Luke 6:38 • “If one of you tells him, ‘Go in peace…’ but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?” — James 2:16 • “I have all I need and more… the gifts you sent… are a fragrant offering.” — Philippians 4:18 • “And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” — Hebrews 13:16 • “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17 Living as completed givers Finishing the work is simply aligning today’s decisions with yesterday’s resolve. When we plan, act, and depend on God’s sufficiency, generosity stops being an event and becomes the rhythm of everyday life—evidence that the grace we’ve received is truly at work in us. |
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