i say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. [2 corinthians 2:8-8]   genuine love - what is exactly is genuine love? let's start with this, what is love that is not genuine? love that is impatient - is not...

[8] i say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. [9] for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.[10]...

but as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. [2 corinthians 8:7]   i have always liked the analogy of ‘root’ and ‘fruit’ when it comes to discussing...

accordingly, we urged titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. [2 corinthians 8:6]   there’s nothing more thrilling than a large group of people passionately on the same mission, linking arms together, for a cause. the...

begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints--and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. [2 corinthians 8:4-5]   i’m so blown away at these two verses. even as i sit...

for they gave according to their means, as i can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord [ 2 corinthians 8:3]   as the believers in the macedonian region gave, so should we out of an abundance of joy. for many, giving is an afterthought, if even a...

for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. [2 corinthians 8:2]   what’s tempting to do when you face affliction, causing you pain or suffering? be honest. try to...

we want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of macedonia, [2 corinthians 8:1]   grace - the undeserved favor and power of God - extravagantly given to you thru his presence. where has God poured out grace on you?...

[1] we want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of macedonia, [2] for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. [3] for...

i rejoice, because i have complete confidence in you. [2 cor 7:16]   as Christians, we are commanded to do lots of things that are uncomfortable--namely rebuking, exhorting, calling each other out to a life marked with righteousness. because we are not righteous...