Mary, the mother of Jesus, was simply and joyfully obedient to the Lord's will and way. We're called to be the same--to play a part in God's plan of winning the world to Himself. The church historian and author Timothy George wrote, “Mary was a disciple of Christ before she was his mother, for had she not believed, she would not have conceived.”

The desire and ability to give to God's work is itself a gift from God. Paul calls it "the grace of giving." The grace of God underlies and prompts and produces our giving. Grace-filled people give to what God is doing in the lives of others to extend his grace to them.

Why didn't Paul just give up when he faced opposition from the Corinthians? This passage lays out five motives Paul had in continuing to serve them and the world: we will give an account, Christ loves us, we are a new creation, we are ambassadors, wnd we are stewards of the Gospel. This is what should motivate anyone who serves Christ and his Church.

Another tough text, but an important one with implications for salvation and evangelism.