Chapter 621 of 957

Generous Giving

GENEROUS GIVING

2 CORINTHIANS 8:8-15

We say we love Jesus Christ; are we prepared to show it by what we give?

By following the Macedonian believers’ wonderful example, Paul’s readers would prove the authentic nature of their love (8:8), an arresting thought which can bring us up sharp. We say that we love Jesus Christ; are we prepared to show it by what we give?

But an even higher encouragement is given in the next verse, tacked on almost as an aside, yet so compelling in the picture it gives. It tells of the pre-existent Lord of glory, who became poor by choosing to accept our earthly life (Luke 9:58) and at length to give his all (Mark 10:45) for his people’s eternal good. Let this example inspire the Corinthians, and all Christians, especially when they recall that by Jesus’ self-chosen poverty they have entered into an inheritance of spiritual wealth. “For your sake” and “you” are intentionally emphatic. It was for them he laid his glory aside and gave himself to the terrible consequences of humiliation. Little wonder, then, that Paul with Philippians 2:5-11 in mind, will round off the discussion on Christian response in stewardship with 9:15!

Some principles of Christian giving follow (8:10-15). Three points should be underlined and taken to heart:

A willingness both to promise help and then to give it (8:11). Here is a necessity in Christian responsibility: not only to begin a good work, but also to finish it.

Opportunity, expressed in the phrase “according to what a person has” (8:12). This is obviously the determining factor in the amount of our giving, which is not to be measured by the quantity of the gift alone, but by the extent of the sacrifice involved (Mark 12:43-44).

By quoting from Exodus 16:18 in 8:15, Paul does not intend that the Jerusalem saints should be relieved by causing the Corinthians to be burdened (8:13). The golden rule is “equality,” ie fair shares for all. Let those who have share with those who do not have, so that both may be provided for.

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