2 CORINTHIANS 8
Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, 2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the giftyou have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
2 CORINTHIANS 8 ZEAL TO SUPPORT THE CHURCH
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As a believer, we are stirred by the Spirit to give generously
We cannot claim we are believers if we are selfish and stingy
The proof of caring for the needs of our brothers and sisters
Lies in our loving generosity and compassion for each other.
In this letter, Paul reiterates the ministry of grace to the Corinthian believers. He challenges them to follow up on their work to build up the church through the financial giving. He reminds them of the generosity of the Macedonians and how he has boasted about the Corinthian church to them that they already have become generous in their giving as well. It may sound like he was challenging them to compete with the Macedonian churches but it was to urge them to continue their zeal to support the church. It was to stir their hearts to continue to be loving and working their faith to grow. By doing so, they also cultivate their generosity and their love for the Lord grows.
The Old Testament scripture in Deuteronomy 16:17 says “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.” It seems like Paul was adapting this same command of God to his people to the Corinthian church. Philippians 4:18 also says that giving is an act of worship. When you give to others especially to the church, you are expressing gratitude and praise to the Lord who is the source of all things.
REFLECTION
- Why do you think some Christians hesitate to give generously?
