2 Corinthians 8 reminds me of what I call God’s Economy. Man has created many economic models designed to even out wealth in an attempt to create fairness. The Pareto Principle explains that wealth is never evenly distributed in any system because many factors are not evenly distributed in people. Redistribution is always depleted by corruption. Confiscation tends to punish productivity, leading to scarcity. How do we create equity? Todays lesson is about Need and Abundance. Paul begins with a reference to “the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches”. He describes their “severe trial” and “extreme poverty”, but notes that salvation through Christ produced “overflowing joy… welled up in rich generosity”. This church gave “beyond their ability”. It is important to note their attitude; they called it “the privilege of sharing”. This group with little abundance joyfully gave to their brothers in Jerusalem. They were in poverty, but were rich in spirit! Paul adds that they gave themselves “first of all to the Lord”. This is a personal experience in response to the peace each received through the Holy Spirit. Paul praises the Corinthians, “you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in… love”. When we pause to count our blessings; we begin to focus on what we have, rather than what we lack. Paul encourages them to “also excel in this grace of giving”. Note that Paul immediately adds, “I am not commanding you”. Giving out of genuine love for someone has no limit, and produces joy.
Paul continues with the central theme of his life and his preaching, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Jesus is the single greatest example of self-sacrifice. Paul continues, “He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor”. The King of Kings willingly gave His life to take on my sin. He gave up the comfort and privilege of heaven for the torment and torture of the cross because that was the only way to buy my freedom. This was a gift, with no strings attached. Gifts given in love do not come with an invoice. Paul instead describes the attitude of “eager willingness” born out of gratitude. Paul explains how this achieves balance; “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need”. Too often, true Need suffers silently while Want demands more.
The chapter closes with the critical part of giving; avoiding scams. Paul mentions a man named Titus that shares the “same concern” for the Corinthian church and their brothers in Jerusalem. Titus was one of the first Gentile converts to Christianity, and traveled with Paul for years. He was trusted to bring the letter to the Corinthians. Paul also mentions a nameless brother “chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering”. Even the most trusted need accountability. Paul is careful about how the money will be used, “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift”. Part of “taking pains to do what is right” means that the money is given locally by those that have knowledge of the actual local need. From all reports both men have a long history of integrity, but no one is beyond temptation. Every step of collecting, counting and distributing should be monitored “in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man”. Paul personally vouches for his loyal friend, noting his extended stay with the Corinthians in the past, “Titus… my partner and co-worker among you”. All charitable giving should be done with awareness about how much will reach those in need. There is always abundance, and there is always need. This is not limited to finances. In every aspect of life, the church was designed to provide support. This is an important part of why we gather together. We share in grief, we share in sorrow, we share in joy and we share in triumph. Friend, are you participating in God’s economy?