Have you ever felt excited about something good, only to lose that enthusiasm over time? This was the case with the Corinthians. They saw the great need of the saints in Jerusalem and wanted to help them financially. They were excited to help and were the first to start giving. Their enthusiasm was contagious. Other churches jumped on board (2 Corinthians 9:2). Other churches far less wealthy than the Corinthians gave abundantly (2 Corinthians 8:1-2).
But in time, the Corinthians cooled off. In his letter, Paul encourages them to finish what they started, to let their giving be matched by their enthusiasm for helping Jerusalem back at the beginning (2 Corinthians 8:11). He reminds them that finishing what they started will bring glory to God, joy to many, and meet the needs of the saints.
I am reminded of what Paul told the churches in Galatia, not to tire of doing what is good. At just the right time, blessings will come to those who don’t give up (Galatians 6:9). That’s a promise. Were you excited about a really good thing at one time, only to find yourself becoming weary or even discouraged? Has your love cooled off? I want to encourage you to finish what you started. Don’t give up. The hardness of what you are enduring will give way to joy in the morning and impact beyond what discouragement allows you to see in this moment. As Paul told the Corinthians at the end of his first letter, be strong, immovable, and always enthusiastic for the Lord. Our labor for the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible. This devotional reflection is on 2 Corinthians 5-9:15.