Monday 15th May
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (NIVUK)
Paul’s background with the Corinthian church was always going to make writing to them about giving challenging. Historically he has refused to accept money from them to support him in his ministry but now he must remind them of their generous offer to support the churches suffering in Judea and ask that they follow through. That it is so tricky is evidenced by the simple observation that in two chapters of letter about giving he avoids the use of the word ‘money’ completely!
What is clear in these words from Paul is the high place he gives to ‘this grace of giving’. Whilst the Corinthians tend toward flashier gifts (v7) Paul considers this ‘grace’ central to the worship and service of God (v4-5). Generosity is one of the many fruits of the Spirit generated in response to the gospel. It is a mark of salvation. It also demands considered attention and planning (v6).
Many years ago I heard an excellent message from Philip Jensen on giving and in it he outlined the practical approach he took. Every year, at the same time, he would sit down at the table with his family and prayerfully plan out how they would give. There were four areas he gave. In no particular order, he would give to the needs of the local church to spread the word of God, local Christian charities serving the poor, overseas Christian groups preaching the gospel (mission) and overseas Christian charities working with those less well-off. Although that may seem orderly and rational and not remotely spontaneous enough it seems to me to be a well-thought-through path to ‘excel in this grace of giving’ (v7).
The mark of a heart changed by the gospel is generosity. It is no wonder that Paul begins his exhortation to the Corinthian church to follow through with the commitments with a report about the much poorer churches in Macedonia begging to be allowed to give (v2-4). Begging to give! The gospel truly is amazing.
