2 Corinthians 9:3-5 (WEL) Yet, I have sent the brethren, fearing our boasting about you should be a waste of time in this sense, that, as I have said, so that you are ready. 4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared. We, we, along with you, would be ashamed of this same confident boasting. 5 Therefore, I thought it’s necessary to encourage the brothers so that they would go ahead of us to you and finish preparing the gift you promised, so it might be ready as freely given, not as extortion.
V3 Yet, I have sent the brethren, fearing our boasting about you should be a waste of time in this sense, that, as I have said, so that you are ready.
Paul still has a little hesitancy but is hoping that all will be true that the gift will be collected and ready and the attitudes and motives are correct. He has been boasting to others that the Corinthians are ready and giving.
V4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared. We, we, along with you, would be ashamed of this same confident boasting.
The principle is if we promise something, then we must complete it. We must be ready to deliver on time. Fulfilling promises is a trait of God and must also be of us. Keep your promises to God, spouse, family, church, etc., unless it is an emergency such as sickness, accident, storms, etc. See Matthew 5:37.
V5 Therefore, I thought it’s necessary to encourage the brothers so that they would go ahead of us to you and finish preparing the gift you promised, so it might be ready as freely given, not as extortion.
They are sent to collect the gift and see if there is any other offering, to answer questions, and to ascertain their motives are correct. The motives should be a desire, a cheerfulness, and with a prayer of thankfulness and blessing. We are not to give to impress anyone. Compare Mark 12:38-44.
We learn:
- Promises must be fulfilled if at all possible.
- Motives and attitudes are important.
Questions:
- What is your motive when you give money?
- Do you keep your promises?