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Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 121

"Providing honourable things..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 8:21

PRINCIPLES OF ADMINISTRATION OF GIFTS

Paul had very clear principles for ministry. This includes the administration of gifts.

“Providing honourable things,
not only in the sight of the Lord,
but also in the sight of men.”
2 Corinthians 8:21

1. “Providing honourable things”

a) The word “providing”
i) One nuance is that of “foresight”.
ii) Another nuance is that of “thoughtfulness”.
iii) Provision involves both elements.
b) The word “honourable”
i) The basic idea is that of “goodness”.
ii) “Good” and “honourable” go well together.
iii) Thus, a meaningful gift involves all the above qualities.

2. “Not only in the sight of the Lord”

a) All gifts should be given with the Lord in mind.
b) Malachi 1 comes to mind readily.
i) No gift should be thoughtlessly given.
ii) No defective gift must ever be considered.
iii) The Lord God Himself examines the worth of each gift.
iv) Those which are improperly given would be rejected.

3. “Not only… but also”

a) Both phrases must be read together.
b) On the one hand, it must be good and honourable in the sight of the Lord.
c) On the other hand, it must be good and honourable in the sight of men.

4. Giving to the under-privileged

a) Sadly, many think that the poor do not need much.
b) Or that they should be satisfied with second-hand goods.
c) Or worse, they have to be grateful, even if they received goods that are spoilt!
d) It is vital that we learn to give generously to the under-privileged.

All gifts must be administered carefully to avoid un-called for remarks from critics!