What is the CHEAT code to Doing Right?
What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. - 2 Corinthians 8:19-21
The CHEAT code to doing right is our effort to ensure we do as we say. These are our promises to our partners and what we ask and expect from each of our partners across the globe.
C=Companion
“he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering,”
In the above verses Paul makes a very important point, he describes a man who is “praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel”. Then he goes on to explain how this man was “chosen to accompany” them as they carry the offering.
We promise to always use men and women “chosen to accompany us” as we administer these liberal gifts.
H=Honoring the Lord
“we administer in order to honor the Lord Himself” - 2 Corinthians 8:19
To “administer” is the Greek verb diakoneó, meaning to minister or serve in the context of providing for the needs of others. This word conveys the idea of a humble servant practically, physically and spiritually. - Biblehub.com
We promise to always honor the Lord by humbly serving and ministering to the needs of others in practical, physical and spiritual ways.
E=Eagerness to Help
“and to show our eagerness to help” - 2 Corinthians 8:19
“To show our eagerness to help” is translated from a Greek word prothumia, which conveys the idea of zeal associated with the readiness of body, mind and spirit to engage in serving, giving and participating in the work of the Lord. - Biblehub.com
We promise to always show our eagerness to help by zealously engaging in serving, giving and participating in the work of the Lord.
A=Avoid Criticism
“We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.” - 2 Corinthians 8:20
“Avoid” is translated from a Greek action verb “stelló”, meaning to set in order or arrange, to prepare or equip in a way that is fit.
“Criticism” is translated from a greek action verb “mómaomai”, meaning to find fault or blame, to criticize.
Together these two verbs convey the concept that as believers we are encouraged to live blameless lives, reflecting the character of Christ, and to avoid unjust criticism of others. This is only possible by the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are ALL in progression and therefore in constant need of the Lord’s grace and each other’s also.
We promise to arrange, to prepare and to equip our partners in a way that encourages them to live blameless lives, reflecting the character of Christ and avoiding unjust criticism of others.
T=Taking Pains
“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” - 2 Corinthians 8:21
“We are taking pains to do” is translated from a Greek verb “pronoeó”, it primarily means to foresee or to provide for something in advance. It expresses this idea of thoughtful planning and taking necessary steps to ensure needs are met and issues are addressed.
“What is right” is translated from a Greek verb “kalos”, meaning good and beautiful as an outward sign of the inward good. This is attractively good, a type of good that inspires others to embrace what is lovely and draws them to the Lord.
We promise to use thoughtful planning and take the necessary steps to ensure needs are met and issues are addressed in a way that is attractively good and inspires other to embrace what is lovely and draws them to the Lord.