2 Corinthians 8-9: Generosity

As we read Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, we come upon this message of generosity, one that I am really excited to write about.  There is so much life and joy in living generously and I love the truth about generosity that is in God's Word.  Let's jump in.

Chapter 8 begins with Paul addressing the concern that the church at Corinth had started a collection of money to help distressed Christians in Jerusalem but had never finished it.  He encourages them with the example of the Macedonian believers, calling their giving an act of grace.  And it definitely was a demonstration of God's grace in their lives.

"Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.  Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.  And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will."  (2 Cor. 8:2-5)

There is so much great truth in just this passage.  Their generosity came out of severe trial and extreme poverty.  They gave beyond their ability.  They considered it a privilege to share what they had.  And their giving was first to the Lord.

That alone is such a picture of joyful giving.  And then Paul reminds them, and us, of the ultimate act generosity that happened at the cross.

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Cor. 8:9)

We have heard that God so loved the world that He gave.  And here we are reminded of all that Jesus gave.  He became poor so that we might become rich.  He gave up everything. He gave His own life that we can live.  May we be spurred onto giving generously and sacrificially as a response to this gift of grace that we have received.

Chapter 9 continues with great truth that encourages me so much with the joy that is in giving generously.   If we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly.  If we sow generously, we will reap generously.  God loves a cheerful giver, not one who gives out of reluctance or under compulsion.  God's grace enables us to have all we need to continue giving and to be generous on every occasion.  And our giving is not just meeting needs but is an expression of thanksgiving to God. 

There is so much life in living generously.  There is so much freedom in giving and not accumulating and storing up and worrying about if we'll have what we need.  And ultimately, God is so glorified when we give because we reflect His heart and we reflect the cross.  Our giving is a testimony of God's grace working in our lives.

So let's be generous givers.  And let's be cheerful givers.  It is a privilege and a joy to be a part of God's kingdom in this way.

Side note: My husband and I have been greatly impacted by an organization called Generous Giving and were so encouraged by our experience at their Journey of Generosity.  I encourage you, even if you consider yourself to be generous already, to explore more deeply what Scripture says about generosity and how life is found when we give.