Grace – giving and receiving; a Biblical tension

Bible frequently contains apparent contradictions, which I prefer to call tensions.

 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. (1 Tim 4.4-5)

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9.6-7)

So. in writing to Timothy, Paul exhorts us to enjoy everything that God has for us; in apparent contrast in his words to the Corinthian Church, He encourages generosity. How can we receive and enjoy all that God has for us, and yet be sacrificially generous at the same time?

Grace finds a way; grace enjoys God’s abundance and reflects that abundance to others. Grace is unselfish. We do not get bogged down in number crunching, nor guilt. We enjoy receiving from God and investing in His kingdom.

Also, we do not judge a brother or sister who applies the grace of God differently. Grace is not judgmental!

 

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