GIVING (2)

My intrigue continued on this topic of giving and my search led me tp 2 Corinthians 9:8 where I read,

“GOD IS ABLE to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

As I view that verse from one perspective, I am elated because I can see that I am the recipient of all things at all times, for all that I need. I like that, particularly in a society which is immersed in materialism. But is that really the heart of what is being said here? To answer that, we need to stand back and take a broader look. What do we see?

The first thing when you examine the text or Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians is that this verse is part of a topic which begins at the start of chapter 8 and which runs through to the end of chapter 9. Let’s see if that can help give us a better slant on what Paul is really saying here.

First, we see that the instigation for this topic was the financial need which was present within the church in Jerusalem among the widows and orphans. Paul had urged his churches to give to help those in need.

Secondly, he focuses specifically on the circumstances and contributions of the Macedonian congregation (Philippi or Thesslonica?). These people were not only under persecution politically for their faith (“severe trials”), they were also “desperately poor”. That would be sufficient reason for many to conclude that they had nothing to give to the cause in Jerusalem. But note their response! “They have given beyond their means.” (v.3) Now stop with me for a moment and try to understand what that means. Those were not the days of mortgages, credit cards, large debt… but rather a cash society. The money they had would be used for day to day living and yet Paul describes them as being “desperately poor”. I think it is safe to conclude that, like the widow, they were giving money for the believers in Jerusalem which they needed for their own family’s sustenance! In other words, they were giving the very money which would provide for their necessities! Is this what it means to have a “good eye”? Let me ponder that some more.

But as if that were not sufficient, Paul goes on to show that they were eager to give to help – “They begged and pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to God’s people.” This strikes me profoundly! Here we see that these people in Macedonia so understood what Jesus meant when he said, “Give and it will be given to you …” that they were willing to put themselves, their families at risk to help others.

Just today, Sunday January 2, 2005, the news story is reported of a Swedish mother’s valiant attempt to save her children from the coming tsunami. She faced this danger putting aside all personal advantage for the sake of her three sons, rushing out toward the wave to save her children. Thankfully they were all saved and live today!
Is that what Paul is saying these Macedonians demonstrated – selfless giving, fearing not for self but for the lives of others?

I’m starting to see that our money and our ‘seeing’ are vitally connected!

[To be continued.]