2 Corinthians 8:2-5 “In the midst of a very 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 Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”

This Scripture is very challenging yet very real to us.  We are in the midst of very difficult economic times, yet we are trying to live according to Scripture.  How do we deal with this verse?  What does it really mean?

Being generous is being free in your Christian giving, not being stingy.  It begins with a heart condition.  Verse 5 talks about “They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”  That’s the key to the heart of the matter.  These Corinthians believers were fully sold out to God.  They were willing to give Him their all which means mind, soul, spirit, and heart as well as the physical.  Then out of that dedication came their giving to the disciples, their teachers.  I think that we often immediately turn to money when we think of giving, but money is only a portion of our giving.  We can give our of our time, our talents/skills, our food, our clothing, and our money.

I specifically like the part “Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.”  What would your pastor or congregational leader think if he had to tell people “Quit volunteering for these roles!  I’ve got too many people who are willing to do this.”  That would be unheard of.  But I think that’s what the Corinthian people did.  They were willing to give by providing housing for the disciples.  They were willing to clean the home where the meetings would be hosted.  They were willing to care for the sick.  They were willing to sew for the widow who could no longer sew.  They were willing to care for the children of the mom who had four little ones under the age of five, so she could have a break.  They were willing to lead the music.  They were willing to give financially.  It was in all different sizes and shapes.

How were they able to do this?  It came out of “their overflowing joy” which was found in the Messiah and His salvation.  And even though they were poor, they were willing to give…and give they did in just monetary ways.

Photo by Artotem.