2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT) 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. Giving Attitude Christians should in giving. 2 Corinthians 8:8–9 (NLT) 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 1. Christians excel by giving from a “ attitude”. 2 Corinthians 8:11a (NLT) Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. 2. Christians excel by learning the of generous giving. Give . 2 Corinthians 8:3 (NLT) 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. Give . 2 Corinthians 8:3a-5 (NLT) And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, … Give . 2 Corinthians 8:11–12 (NLT) … Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. Give . 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NLT) 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. Give . 2 Corinthians 9:7–8 (NLT) 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION QUESTIONS 1. Where or when have you learned about giving? 2. The apostle Paul says that church members should “excel also in this gracious act of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7) How do feel about learning to become an excellent & eager giver? 3. How might it help you become more generous by focusing on how spiritually rich Jesus has made you? (2 Corinthians 8:9) 4. Which of these giving attributes needs more “excelling” in your generosity? sacrificially willingly proportionately expectantly cheerfully