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2 Corinthians 9:5 "So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren to go on to you before me, and arrange in advance for this gift you have promised, so that it may be ready not as an exaction but as a willing gift."

 

Sometimes in our zeal, or when caught up in the generosity of a group, we can over-promise. It is easy to say, in the moment, that we will give generously or perform some difficult task, but then later rethink or forget about that promise. Paul writes to the Corinthians, who have promised an "offering for the saints" (2 Corinthians 9:1-2), to forestall such a reconsideration on their part, and he sends others ahead of him to arrange the gift so that they will not feel the pressure of Paul's presence, and so willingly give it. 

 

God loves a cheerful giver, as Paul goes on to say (2 Corinthians 9:7), and those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6). Paul does not say it here, because he's trying to be encouraging and also because there is no reason to doubt the Corinthians' commitment to their generosity, but the implication is that God is not too crazy about those who promise and then renege. It is like the parable of the two sons, where one promises to work in the field but never goes, while the other says no at first, but then reconsiders (Matthew 21:28-31). Obviously, the best course of action is to say yes to the Father and then follow through, as presumably the Corinthians did. But of the two sons, it is better to be reluctant at first but then actually perform the generous act than it is to loudly proclaim one's commitment and then ignore it.

 

This is a good reflection for Lent as I try to stay committed to my various sacrifices. It is also a good reminder that almsgiving is the third pillar of Lent, which we should say yes to generously and follow through on.