Following Through – 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15
The church in Jerusalem faced severe challenges—a famine and intense persecution. Hearing of their struggle, believers worldwide were inspired to help. Many, including the Corinthian church, pledged generously to support their brothers and sisters. Paul now reminds the Corinthians of their commitment, highlighting the example of others contributing to this vital ministry.
2 Corinthians 8:1-4 (CSB)
“We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia: During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints,”
Incredible! Despite severe trials and poverty, the Macedonians begged for the privilege to give, their joy overflowing in generosity. Paul challenges the Corinthians to follow this example:
2 Corinthians 8:7 (CSB)
“Now as you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us—excel also in this act of grace…”
As followers of Jesus, we strive to excel in faith, speech, and love—Paul urges us to excel in giving too. He reminds the Corinthians of their initial eagerness to help:
2 Corinthians 8:11-12 (CSB)
“Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have…”
Follow through on your commitments! We can be eager to help, but do we finish the task? Paul encourages giving from what we have, not beyond, ensuring no undue burden while meeting others’ needs. He assures them that Titus and others will manage the funds responsibly, urging them to be ready for the collection as promised.
2 Corinthians 9:5-9 (CSB)
“Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion. The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. As it is written: He distributed freely; he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
Let’s not give sparingly, reluctantly, or under compulsion—God loves a cheerful giver! From the overflow of His grace, we can give generously, trusting God to provide.
2 Corinthians 9:10 (CSB)
“Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
Our generosity impacts those we help and testifies to God’s work, inspiring others. As we give to God’s work—whether to our local church or missionaries—people come to know Christ, believers are built up, and a harvest of righteousness abounds. God multiplies our giving for His glory! Are we following through on what God has laid on our hearts, giving cheerfully to advance His kingdom?
