2 CORINTHIANS 8
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. – 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
2 CORINTHIANS 8 EXCEL IN THE ACT OF GRACE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you received the grace given by your Lord & Savior
You ought to exercise the same grace you received to your neighbor
You may have had an overflow of other spiritual gifts given to you
But remember that acts of grace must be excellently pursued.
Paul writes to the Corinthian believers about how the Macedonian churches have manifested grace in the midst of afflictions. The more the Macedonians were afflicted, the more they abound in their generosity to each of their brothers and sisters in Christ. It seems like the “acts of grace” that Paul was referring to in verse 7 is their offering or contribution to the less fortunate and marginalized members of the church. Paul is teaching them accountability and caring for each other, especially the needy.
In the book of James, he explains that pure religion according to God is to help the widows and orphans in their afflictions. James also talks about that faith without action is dead. He gave the example of someone asking for help to another brother and the other brother didn’t give the help at the time of asking, but just gave words to that one in need. He says that faith is dead if we are not able to attend to the needs of others.
REFLECTION
· How does Philippians 2:3-4 reiterate what acts of grace means?
