Scripture
But just as you excel in everything- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in love for us- see also that you excel in this grace of giving.

Observation
Paul is encouraging the church at Corinth to excel in the grace of giving, the gift of generosity.

He doesn't command or demand this of the church, but rather he wants them to see giving as an outflow of love. The willingness to give is what makes the gift acceptable, not the size of the gift.

Paul's aim is to see all the churches giving to help each other's need with the Holy Spirit ensuring that there is no need among them.

Application
The issue of giving causes controversy and anxiety in the church. Part of the problem is the strength of the demonic power called “Mammon” and its grip on us. We find ourselves torn between following Jesus and trusting our money.

Just as Jesus emptied himself of every form of glory and wealth to become poor and live among us, we also have to empty ourselves of dependence on “stuff”.

It's easy to say we trust God for everything, but much more difficult to do it in practice. I notice that even after many years of “living by faith”, my anxiety levels rise when the bank balance falls.

The key to overcoming this is to be generous. Paul points out that we don't need to be silly about this and harm ourselves in our giving. Having said that, the way to ease the grip of our possessions on us is to be willing to let go of our grip on them.

Prayer
Lord I thank you for the possessions that I have and enjoy. Please help me to be mindful of the needs of others. Let me excel in the grace of giving. Amen.