神喜歡快樂的給予者 — 哥林多後書讀經隨筆 第9 章

哥林多後書第九章保羅認為有必要請求幾位弟兄提前到哥林多教會去，把哥林多教會眾信徒所許諾的捐資安排好。保羅希望這些捐獻是大家出於慷慨，而不是勉強，並鼓勵大家記住：少種的少收，多種的多收。每個人給予多少要根據他自己心裏所決定的數目，別抱怨，也不是出於強迫，因為神喜歡快樂的給予者。保羅說神能將各樣的恩典多多的加給信徒們，使大家在每件事情上都充足，這樣就能做更多的善事。為福音事業捐資就好比給撒種的人種子，神必多多加給他種地的種子，捐助也體現了基督徒所結的仁義的果子。捐助幫助了其他的聖徒，這些被幫助的聖徒就會多多的感謝神，將榮耀歸於神。

 

 林後9:5 因此、我想不得不求那幾位弟兄、先到你們那裏去、把從前所應許的捐資、預備妥當、就顯出你們所捐的、是出於樂意、不是出於勉強．
I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you, and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness.
 林後9:6 少種的少收、多種的多收．這話是真的。
Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
 林後9:7 各人要隨本心所酌定的．不要作難、不要勉強．因為捐得樂意的人、是 神所喜愛的。
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
 林後9:8 神能將各樣的恩惠、多多的加給你們．使你們凡事常常充足、能多行各樣善事．
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
 林後9:9 如經上所記、『他施舍錢財、賙濟貧窮．他的仁義存到永遠。』
As it is written, "He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever."
 林後9:10 那賜種給撒種的、賜糧給人吃的、必多多加給你們種地的種子、又增添你們仁義的果子．
Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;
 林後9:11 叫你們凡事富足、可以多多施舍、就借著我們使感謝歸於 神。
you being enriched in everything to all liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God.
 林後9:12 因為辦這供給的事、不但補聖徒的缺乏、而且叫許多人越發感謝 神。
For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many givings of thanks to God; 
林後9:13 他們從這供給的事上得了憑據、知道你們承認基督順服他的福音、多多的捐錢給他們和眾人、便將榮耀歸與 神．
seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all;