2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV), “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” Excel in the Amount to Give. (9:6) “Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” • Excelling in giving, is excelling in harvesting. Excel in the Attitude of Giving. (9:7) “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.” • Giving and cheerfulness go hand-in-hand. Excel in the Ability to Give. (9:8) “… and God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” • God is able. To do what? To help givers give and to keep givers giving. Excel in the Abundance of Giving. (9:10), “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. • V. 10 is a prayer for grace-givers. • The abundance of giving is an enlarged harvest of your righteousness. The returns on grace-giving are duty-free gifts of more grace! • Thanksgiving to God v. 11,12 • Supplying the needs of the Lord’s people v. 12 • Confessing the Gospel v. 13. • Uniting in fellowship v. 14. There is only good news for those who excel in the grace of giving. HYMN: When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources Our Father’s full giving is only begun. His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power has no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again