Generosity - 2 Corinthians 8

I am not sure it coincidence that I am in 2 Cor 8, and the financial markets are in turmoil, and the crypto markets have plunged in the last few hours. The global markets are being shaken to the core because of the Coronavirus scare and the unknown oil war between the Russians and Saudi’s. Personally, watching our net worth drop significantly leaves me feeling bleak. I know its temporary, and I know my faith and trust is not in this world, but it still isn’t much fun to watch. And this morning, I read this:

“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There is no way I could classify my situation or circumstance a severe trial, or anything like extreme poverty. That would be ridiculous! Check this out, Paul writing about the Macedonian churches who were struggling in a significant way were abundantly generous in the midst of it. This heart of generosity begins with God, for he is the one who offers the gift of grace. 

“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is it, and this is following the Spirits calling and walking out our faith in action. You see, the way we treat, think, and handle our money and financial resource say a lot about our character. 

“And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This says it perfectly, tithing and giving. The tithe, the first ten percent of our income we bring to the Lord. Then, beyond the tithe is when we offer our generosity and giving. 

“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.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Don’t forget this is being discussed in the context of severe trials and hardships. This is not happening when all is well, when we have it all planned out, and when we feel like it. Generocity is a posture of our heart and a willingness to express our grace through giving. 

I also loved that Paul was clear this was not a Biblical requirement or a command from him. Giving and being generous beyond the tithe is above and beyond, living in the overflow. 

“I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake, he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Robin and I can share from our personal experience how blessed it is to be a blessing and to live generously. This has been a part of our marriage nearly since day one, and God has abundantly blessed and exceeded our expectations on every level. It is not always financial, it is a full blessing that starts with our relationship with Christ, and our relationship with each other. Abundant grace He returns to us. 

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is also a great, sometimes overlooked verse or idea. Start where you are, and the gift and generous act should be within your means and ability. Don’t listen to story’s of people giving away cars, houses, or whatever and be discouraged that you can not do that. Start where you are, and be willing to step in and give with a joyful heart. 

Like I said when I started writing...it not a coincidence in my mind that this is where I landed today. I needed this message and this reminder of generosity. Grace is not circumstantial or situational. The grace of God and his love and generosity for us is eternal. Our blessing and generosity should model that and freely flow as God’s does to us. No matter the situation of the global financial markets, my foundation and rock are Christ Jesus. Therefore, my generosity flows because of who God is, not based on what is happening around me. 

“Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Finish the work, live generously!