2 Corinthians 8:19
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
2 Corinthians 8:19
Paul continues to describe the governance of this grace: the arrangement of travel with “the brother” to ensure the collection’s integrity, and to give “glory to the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind.” The emphasis here is not only practicality but spiritual testimony—the ready mind is a testimony to the Corinthians’ faith, and the whole enterprise “to the glory of the Lord.” The verse highlights that their generosity is a public declaration of their discipleship, not a private charity. It’s about how the gospel shapes the social and economic dimensions of church life.
This underscores the missional function of money: it is a vehicle for declaring the lordship of Christ. The gifts become a public witness of the Corinthians’ readiness to follow Jesus, reinforcing the church’s mission and unity. The glory of God, rather than self-congratulation, is the aim.
Let giving be a public witness in your community—within appropriate privacy boundaries. When people see a church’s generosity, it becomes a compelling argument for the gospel. Ensure readiness of mind translates into ready action, and celebrate collective acts of mercy that bring glory to God.
Cross-References: Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12; Titus 3:8