Monday: Motivation
Daily Lesson for Monday 7th of September 2026
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1,5 and 2 Corinthians 9:7,9,13,15. What is the central message of these passages?
The language of giving pervades 2 Corinthians 8:1-24 and 9: “The grace of God . . . has been given” (2 Corinthians 8:1, ESV); “They gave themselves” (2 Corinthians 8:5, ESV); “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart . . . , for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV); “He has given to the poor” (2 Corinthians 9:9, ESV); “They will glorify God because of . . . the generosity of your contribution” (2 Corinthians 9:13, ESV); “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15, ESV). 2 Corinthians 8:1-24 and 9 begin and end with the language of giving (2 Corinthians 8:1 and 2 Corinthians 9:15). We must read these two chapters with the idea of giving in mind. They present at least four major reasons for giving our offerings.
Image © Phil McKay at Goodsalt.com
Gratitude for God’s grace (2 Corinthians 8:1; 2 Corinthians 9:14-15). 2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 begins with a reference to “the grace of God” (2 Corinthians 8:1). A little further, Paul says, “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 8:9, ESV). The grace of God and Christ is presented here as one’s primary reason for the practice of offering. God did so much for us by giving us Christ. By offering our gifts in return, we recognize the grace of God in our lives.
As with the concept of giving, the term “grace” (in Greek, charis) also occurs repeatedly in 2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15. Likewise, the word charis occurs at the beginning and the end of this passage (2 Corinthians 8:1; 2 Corinthians 9:14-15). Paul applies this term with different meanings in the passage to emphasize that the grace of Christ in our lives results in grace for others and for thanksgiving.
Desire to follow the example of Jesus (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus was rich and became poor (remember that these are symbols for His eternal pre-existence and then coming into humanity, respectively). There is only one way for that to have happened: He gave all. As for us, by sharing our offerings, we provide means for others to know Christ.
Desire to share God’s blessings (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). We give to others only because we first received from God. He enriches us so that we can be generous.
Sincere love (2 Corinthians 8:8,24). Giving is the test of sincere and genuine love. It is the most substantial evidence that love dwells in one’s heart. To use an English expression, it is to “put your money where your mouth is.”
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How generous are you? In light of the Cross, how much do you give in contrast to what you could give? |
I have been an ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) agent in my church for several years. If there is one thing that excites myself and my wife is the work of ADRA. We are complete “disciples” of ADRA. Many times, I have promoted and championed the work of ADRA and persuaded church members to donate or go out door to door to solicit for funds. One thing I have found out is that one must have an authentic reason why you persuade people to donate their hard-earned money to an organisation like ADRA. As for me and my wife, ADRA is the heart of God working through human agents. The grace of God is normally manifested through human catalysts. For I have seen the grace of God in my life in human form. God who has been merciful and gracious to me in many…many times, makes me not to turn a blind eye to the work that ADRA is doing. I will never be able to say enough thanks to God’s grace and mercies, but I know my little donation will make someone whom I will never meet in this life see the love of God.
We are not merely recipients of God’s mercy and grace; we are called to become channels of that same mercy and grace to others.
“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” — Luke 6:36
Omwewga, thank you for your personal testimony and example of how we can be involved in the giving process.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
A moving example of living for others
This (your comment) sounds like a comment to criticize what Maurice said about giving through Salvation Army long time ago. Yes indeed, ADRA is the Adventist organization but ADRA is not the only way to give, they do not own the generosity. I appreciate your comments but this one sounded like a hint and since you never comment on Maurices post it may sound like you are competing… God bless you.
I must say a big thank you to all our commenters who have described personal giving experiences in the last few days. It is as though we have flicked the switch and we are seeing real people working in partnership with God, rather than just the theory of spirituality. It is heartwarming to read the blog when it is full of stories. Keep it up; the Gospel story is still expanding.
When I retired 15 years ago, I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to photograph birds. But I also wanted to share the experience with others. That led me to offer a bird-observation class to the local U3A*. Carmel decided soon after that she would join the U3A as well to do a class in “Balance and Bones” – a class designed to keep older people mobile. Then she joined the Ukulele Strummers class and learned to play (She was already an accomplished piano player). Ultimately, I served the local U3A as their IT Officer for over 6 years and Carmel also served on the committee as well. Carmel developed a reputation for organising things and people. We both stepped back from our administrative roles this year, mainly to give the opportunity for others.
Our involvement in U3A has been an opportunity to connect and network with the local community outside the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We have been able to contribute positively. In a community like ours with a high Adventist population, barriers often build up, and we become suspicious of one another. Mixing with and taking part in the activities of the local community is one way of making friends and breaking down the barriers.
An indication of the effect that Carmel has had in the U3A is that the Ukulele players asked if they could come and play at Carmel’s mother’s memorial service we held a few weeks ago. The theology may have been a bit questionable in some of the songs, but the love for Carmel was spot-on.
Today, the lesson is about motivation for giving. I guess we can give a theory of motivation, but for Carmel and me, we gave because we wanted to connect with people and share the love in ways that were meaningful to them. We did not expect to be loved back, but our giving to the community has resulted in firm friendships and opportunities to share the Gospel.
*U3A (University of the Third Age) is a worldwide movement to keep older people active and socialised. It is run by older folk for older folk.
Great stuff omwenga and the bride…
The holy spirit goes before us during the adra appeal. Never had any trouble collecting for it.
Also Red Cross,lifeline and Salvos…..the rain falls on the just and equally just…
Reneanne Anderson
And now…. motivation to connect with the just and equally just during onevoice 2027…
Sonnet on hearing the dies irae sung in the Sistine chapel poem by Oscar Wilde.
Nay, Lord not thus!white Lillies in the spring,
Sad olive groves, or silver breasted dove,
Teach me more clearly of thy life and love than terrors of red flame and thundering.
The hillside vines dear memories of thee bring.
A bird at evening flying to its nest
Tells me of one who had no place to rest.
I think it is of thee the sparrows sing.
Come rather on some autumn afternoon
When red and brown are burnished on the leaves
And the fields echo to the gleaners song,
Come when the splendid fullness of the moon
Looks down upon the golden sheaves
And reap thy harvest…we have waited long.
Reneanne Anderson
In the book of 2 Corinthians 8:1–9, Paul says, “We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia.” Notice that Paul starts with the “grace” of God. The Macedonians gladly and willingly gave because they were filled with so much joy over the abundance of God’s grace in their lives that it led to an abundance of joyful giving flowing out of their lives. The Bible says they overflowed in a wealth of generosity for their giving was sacrificial and out of extreme poverty, which shows just how much God’s grace had transformed their lives, because that wasn’t normal! Even while facing poverty or financial hardships, their motivation was to give in abundance.
Our motivation must also come from how God has transformed our hearts. The deeper we grow in understanding God’s grace toward us, the deeper we’ll grow in generosity toward others. Paul uses the Macedonians as an example of how God’s grace transforms hearts into being more generous. Their motivation was demonstrated through generosity as an outward manifestation of an inward transformation in their hearts. Grace transforms us, and then grace motivates us to live differently. Paul says in Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Therefore, the right motivation for everything we do—including our giving, serving, and caring for others—should flow from a heart that has experienced and been transformed by the grace of God.
My motivation is mainly found in 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us.
My tiny albeit growing congregation has very little in terms of human and financial resources. However, through the visionary and creative approach of one member who was providentially given a second lease of life, GOD has done great things.
One thing we gave even more than money was the gift of our time.
We were at that time (10 years ago) given exclusive access to homeless accommodation throughout the district. These places housed amongst many others, people sheltering from domestic violence and migrant families. Morale, and mental health predominates in these large hostels. Many people, cultures, languages, but few friends. How could we get them talking, befriending each other?
This member started with what was in her hand. It wasn’t a rod but a crochet needle. So we began a crochet and knitting club in the first homeless hostel. Then à children’s afterschool activity group. Other managers around the district heard and asked us to also volunteer at their hostel. Friendships blossomed.
We go and visit the individual families. Listen non judgementally to their stories, encourage and pray with them regardless of their religious/non religious persuasion. Many weep because as we listen prayefully they realise that to GOD they are not merely a case number in the system, but someone who matters and with whom He is concerned.
We held and still hold Christmas banquets, free clothes fairs, warm clothing and food gifts distribution to homeless people on the streets.
How does a tiny congregation of less than twenty regular members accomplish this? Besides personal giving it is mainly by the gifts and contributions of non SDA’s. Some Christian, some non believers.
Like the Sunday minister who opened his large favourably situated church outside à bustling market place free of charge. He was so impressed that he himself bought several items of clothing for children.
Like the overall head manager of the hostels who provided fruit and drinks and snacks at the summer children club out of his own pocket. (He later requested Bible studies and a longing to know JESUS)
Like the non-believing couple who faithfully fund the Xmas banquet in one of the hostels. The chefs who cook the food for the menus from other denominations.
There are so many stories which time and space do not permit me to write.
Suffice it to say. When we invite people from the community to church programmes, they come because we are their friends. We have seen the miracles of people confessing love to JESUS, of being healed from mental problems.
As Maurice Ashton wrote in an earlier post, this is not to blow one’s church trumpet, but to demonstrate that little is much in the Master’s hand, if first there be a willing mind.
The question is, If your church were to close today, would your community miss it?
Praise God for your church being God’s representative in your community, Sister Marcia. That’s what we’re called to do. When we stay within the walls of our church and not go out and share the love of God with our neighbors we become stagnant.
Your church would definitely miss you if you’re no longer there for one reason or another.
May God continue opening doors of opportunity for the congregation to walk through and bless the community.
Thanks for sharing this experience- should be used as a blueprint!
May we all be inspired for mission whether near or far trusting that God will bless every endeavour.
Growing up in a single parent family was not easy. Many were the times that Mom reminded us that “we might not have much, but we have love.” Yet in spite of our lack of resources she was quite a giving person and taught us to give out of appreciation that our basic needs were met.
I remember one Christmas season when Mom announced that we would have less for Christmas because we were going to help a family that had nothing for Christmas. We children went through out the neighborhood collecting funds to help a needy family. We had also agreed to have less so that others could have something. It was so rewarding to take bags of presents and food to a truly poor family in the inner city of Chicago, on Christmas eve. I believe that the local newspaper had an article written up about that experience.
That Christmas we indeed had less for ourselves but it actually felt like we had more because we had brought happiness to a family that otherwise wouldn’t have anything. It was a lesson that has remained with me to this day.
This is in many ways the gospel message. We love because we have first received love. We give because of what we have already received. It is nice to receive but, it is definitely more of a blessing to give than receive.
Beautifully put to God be the glory!
2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
What motivated Macedonians to give of their means? Now, after they gave themselves to God, they by the grace of God, who motivates those who have surrendered to the Holy Spirit, came to the realization that God will supply all their needs, Philippians 4:19. And because of poverty and trials, by grace they found comfort and joy in giving of their meager means to help other’s especially those in the Lord’s work. He will do the same for us. By giving to others, we are saying, thank-you Lord for saving our soul, thank-you Lord for making us whole, thank-you Lord for giving to us, Thy great salvation so rich and free. I used to wonder how salvation can be so rich and then be so free. With a saving relationship with Christ, I now know how rich, free, comforting and joyful a relationship with Christ is. Oh yes, it also helps me to digest chapter 9 in Christ Object Lessons every so often.
https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p15.468&index=0
Our motive is never to return good for evil so that we get the reward and they don’t. My motive in returning to someone good for evil is never, I get a reward. You don’t. I want them. My motive is, In seeking to love them, I want them to join me. I want them to see in my very behavior the all-satisfying worth of Jesus Christ.
There has to be a balance in giving things to others and to oneself. Jesus gave everything He had, lacking all for Himself. Loving as Jesus does should be our goal. This might be the motivation for a happy life.