Summary: How can we not be generous when Christ gave His very Self? We give thanks to God for His indescribable gift.

2 Corinthians 8:1-12.

By the grace (charis = gift) of God, the Macedonian church had been particularly forward in giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-4).

Paul challenged the Corinthians to demonstrate their love by also sharing in this grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7-8).

The pattern of Christ's giving (of Himself) is the paradigm for our (financial) giving (2 Corinthians 8:9).

We are not necessarily called to give beyond our means (2 Corinthians 8:12).

2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

Sow bountifully and you will reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6);

give willingly and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

God will go on providing (2 Corinthians 9:8),

so that we might keep on doing good works (2 Corinthians 9:9-10).

This causes many to give thanks to God (2 Corinthians 9:11-12),

to whom we give thanks for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15).