Sunday, 29 January 2012
II Corinthians 8-9: Generosity
Paul provides the Corinthians an update on the situation in Macedonia and it reminded me of World Vision describing modern day ministry. "We want you to know about the grace that God has given to the Macedonian churches," writes Paul. 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. Paul tells us that the Macedonian people willingly gave to the ministry, giving themselves first to God and then to the ministry - as is God's will. How often do we find that those with little give greater than those living in abundance?
Therefore Paul urged Titus to return to the relatively wealthy Corinthians, and implement a ministry of giving. Paul encourages the Corinthians to excel in this ministry, just has they have done in faith, in speech, and in knowledge. Like World Vision, I have no doubt that Paul's message to America would be substantially the same: you have excelled in knowledge, so to excel in generosity.
"I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others." Look at the model of Jesus, who was rich, yet became poor so that through His poverty you might become blessed. And here, states Paul, is my advice about how to give: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to give will be matched by your completion - according to your means. Paul is clearly guiding as to give as a function of our means. We are not to fool ourselves into not giving because we don't have this or we don't have that. Paul's wording is, "...the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have." (verse 12).
"Our desire is not that others might be relieved, while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality." Right now, your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn (someday) their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality. Paul quotes Exodus 16:18, "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." We in American, live with plenty. The message from God, via Moses and Paul, is to share, to give with a spirit of generosity. What does that guideline mean to you?
Corinthians (and Americans), Titus is coming to you willfully and with enthusiasm. His mission will be to collect your donations for the benefit of the poor. These gifts will be administered in such a way as to bring honor to the Lord. We are taking pains to do what is right not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the (critical) eyes of men. Titus will not be coming to our door this year but World Vision, Compassion International, Feed My Starving Children, and a host of other good (and financially accountable) ministries will be knocking. Please give to the ministries that you believe the Holy Spirit has placed on your heart.
In chapter nine Paul writes that he has boasted to the people of Macedonia about the eagerness of the Corinthian Christians to help. Paul provides them with this message not because they are not generous, but so that they can make plans to give. Paul's wording is, "...so that you may be ready." Like the Corinthians, we are called to make plans to donate. Perhaps this means putting away money each month. Perhaps it means making the decision to forgot certain spending so that funds for donating can be made available. Clearly though, we are called to plan to give - according to what we have have - and with a joyful spirit.
Remember this, Paul exhorts, "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Paul assures us that God's grace is able to abound in us, and that in all things, our needs will be met as you participate in good works. As is written in Psalms 112:9, "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." As a finally encouragement, Paul notes that in giving we are not only supplying the needs of God's people but we are also demonstrating thanks to God.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! Dear God, I thank you for this passage on giving. I especially seek to give based upon what has been given to me. May your Spirit guide me as I make plans to give. I seek to be a generous and cheerful giver. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Take aways:
1) We are called to give to the poor - over an above what we tithe to our church.
2) We are called to make plans to give, and to give based upon our ability to give.
3) We are called to be a cheerful giver, both as a way to help the poor as well as to give thanks to God.
