According to II Corinthians, chapters eight and nine, God's generous grace to use should lead to our generous giving to others. Grace occurs 6 times---8:1,6,7,9; 9:8,14. Generous 8 times---8:2; 9:5, 5, 6 , 6, 11,11, 13. Gift, gave 13 times---8:1, 7, 12, 20; 9:5, 5, 7, 7, 7, 9, 14, 15, 8:3, 5, 10.
There is a rhythm to grace and giving in these chapters. Chapter 8 begins with the grace of God. Chapter 9 ends with "the surpassing grace God has given you."
In between the beginning of chapter 8 and the end of chapter 9, we see the Macedonian churches engaging in an "act of grace," "rich generosity," and the "grace of giving." Out of their own joy and poverty, they gave liberally, showing their love in this service to the Jerusalem saints in need because of famine.
Our generous giving has its source in God.
Question: Is love an expression of grace or is grace an expression of love? How are the two related? "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. . . . " Does love initiate grace? Are love, grace and justice intertwined?
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