2 Corinthians 8:10-12
But now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have (2 Corinthians 8: 11).

While reading a portion of this passage, my attention was drawn to today’s Bible reading. It dawned on me that I needed to follow through on my decisions. And if I have promised anything, I need to make sure that I fulfill it. In this way, I will be at peace and also be a woman of integrity.

The Corinthians had earlier promised to give and had indicated the desire to do so. But they were lacking in fulfilling it. So Paul reminded them saying, “You must complete the doing of it. You promised now fulfill it”. Hear him: “As there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have” (2 Corinthians 8:11b).

Looking at verse 12, the Bible says, “For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:12). The lesson here is that we must not promise what we do not have to please others or please our church leaders. We must avoid any coercion to pledge what we do not have.

We must not promise to do something that we know we do not have the capacity to fulfill. This is scriptural wisdom. If we do this, I believe we will live more peacefully and be joyful in our giving. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Pray for the grace to complete what you have started in every area of your life.
• Pray that you will be content to give within your means to please God and not man.

Hymn: O Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end.

Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 8.