Encouragement to be Generous
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
1 We do you also to wit, brethren, of the grace of God bestowed upon the Churches of Macedonia,
2 Because in great trial of affliction their joy abounded, and their most extreme poverty abounded unto their rich liberality. 3 For to their power (I bear record) yea, and beyond their power they were willing, 4 And prayed us with great instance that we would receive the grace, and fellowship of the ministering which is toward the Saints. 5 And this they did, not as we looked for, but gave their ownselves, first to the Lord, and after unto us by the will of God, 6 That we should exhort Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also accomplish the same grace among you also. 7 Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith and word, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love towards us, even so see that ye abound in this grace also. 8 This say I not by commandment, but because of the diligence of others, therefore prove I the naturalness of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he being rich, for your sakes became poor, that ye through his poverty might be made rich. 10 And I shew my mind herein, for this is expedient for you, which have begun not to do only, but also to will, a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform to do it also, that as there was a readiness to will, even so ye may perform it of that which ye have. 12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13 Neither is it that other men should be eased and you grieved; 14 But upon like condition, at this time your abundance supplieth their lack; that also their abundance may be for your lack, that there may be equality; 15 As it is written, He that gathered much, had nothing over, and he that gathered little, had not the less.
1 Corinthians 14:8
And also if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to battle?
"Let not Geneva be forgotten or despised. Religious liberty owes it most respect." John Adams, the second president of the United States