HAVE YOU EVER STOPPED TO ASK WHAT DOES THE WORD ABUNDANCE MEAN?
It is a really important question and it comes from the word: CARIZOS. It means exceeding number, measure, rank, and need. It means over and above, more than necessary, super added. The literal translation is superabundance. These are the words of Dr. Strong and Dr. Thayer. Strong goes on to add that it means SUPERABUNDANT IN QUANITY AS WELL AS SUPERIOR IN QUALITY AND BY THESE TERMS IT MEANS EXCESSIVE. JOHN 10:10, tells us that Jesus came to give us this kind of life.
The other day I got a notice in the mail from the government from my bank telling me I got my stimulus check. It is one thing to receive a stimulus it is another thing to be a stimulus.
In the Book of 2nd Corinthians you can read for yourself about those who became a STIMULUS to other believers.
9 Now about the offering that is [to be made] for the saints (God's people in Jerusalem), it is quite superfluous that I should write you;
2 For I am well acquainted with your willingness (your readiness and your eagerness to promote it) and I have proudly told about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia (most of Greece) has been prepared since last year for this contribution; and [consequently] your enthusiasm has …STIMULATED…. the majority of them.
3 Still, I am sending the brethren [on to you], lest our pride in you should be made an empty boast in this particular case, and so that you may be all ready, as I told them you would be;
4 Lest, if [any] Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared [for this generosity], we, to say nothing of yourselves, be humiliated for our being so confident.
5 That is why I thought it necessary to urge these brethren to go to you before I do and make arrangements in advance for this bountiful, promised gift of yours, so that it may be ready, not as an extortion [wrung out of you] but as a generous and willing gift.
6 [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [[a] that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.
7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving].
8 And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].
YOURS FOR SOULS,
