The Grace of Giving

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

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And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.

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In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

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For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,

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they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.

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And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

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So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.

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But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you a —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

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Ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BC. It was located between to larger cities of influence; Sparta and Athens. It thrived in commerce, and the population was wealthy.

Macedonia was not like Corinth. Macedonia was not a wealthy city. The region was farm based and was constantly at war with different settlements. The destruction led to instability of the regions economy. Macedonians faced many challenges. And in their adversity seemed to be more extreme with their beliefs.

Macedonian people put hope in their gods, more so than their dollar. They put more effort into action then into education. They had passion instead of pride. And when Paul came to preach about the Almighty, and the Savior, those that turned to this understanding, embraced it with passion.

This speaks to missions today where extreme religious beliefs flourish in impoverished and battle torn lands. Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, there is a love for God. This is true in all religions. What all religions lack is the Truth. So when Christian faith finds hope in desperate people, love is directed at the Father, through His son. And in these regions of poverty, injustice, and war, these souls find joy in knowing the Truth that is Christ.

Corinthians were much like the first world nations of today. They honor themselves and their prosperity, and claim it achievement, if not godly favor. They do not recognize that they are drawing further away from God, because their desires are met, and they embrace the knowledge they have that adds to their existence. They covet what they earn, and defend it with cost of life. There is no love of one another, just pride in their worldliness.

Paul used Macedonia as an example to the Corinthians, we can assume, because of the fear of loss acknowledging Macedonian struggle would invoke in Corinth. Paul is trying to shed light on the selflessness that he witnessed in the Macedonians. The Macedonians listened to Paul, and began to treat one another as they would have themselves be treated. Paul wanted the same for Corinth. To gently explain that love is not selfish, it is holy. And where there is faith, action must follow.

The grace of giving. Is a term that can be described as meaning, ' in fruits worthy of repentance.'  If you are eager to please God, you should by faith act in ways that glorify the grace you are receiving. In giving to support one another, we are committing to that idea of being equal in the eyes of God. Our acts of giving show we value the grace we have received and we now recognize each other outside of our worldly selves.

In nations today where faith is on fire, you find those who carry Christ in faith, giving everything they can to raise their fellow man up. They do not seek to celebrate the dirt, or politics, or the armaments of war. They seek to share the truth, so hope can be placed in God, faith can honor Him, and love can be shared through them. Giving, is an act of love. As we were given by God the greatest gift: Salvation through His son.

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