Pearls of the Word

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Spontaneity

by Jean-Louis Coraboeuf

"I bear witness that they freely gave according to their ability and, even beyond their means, and voluntarily [authairetos]" (2 Corinthians 8:3).

The Greek word authairetos means to choose of one’s own free will, to act voluntarily or spontaneously. Spontaneity is derived from the freedom that we have received in Jesus Christ; it is the opposite of calculation, for it comes from the heart.

Spontaneity gives forth the fruit of liberality (2 Corinthians 8:2) and goes beyond our limits. It comes from the Grace of God, which is why it yields gratitude from all those who receive it (2 Corinthians 9:12).