2 Corinthian 8:1-11

2 Corinthians 8:1-11

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints— and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertakingamong you. Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.

I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something— now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means.

How do we approach texts like this?

With guilt that we don't give or do enough?

With satisfaction that we don't?

With worry about what we will lose if we are more generous?

With anger at those who have but don't give?

Or with hope?

Or with joy?

It is important to me that Paul says outright here that he is not giving a command.

He wants the Corinthian church to learn the joy that the Macedonian church has gotten from their generosity.

Generosity breeds joy. That's the promise Paul offers here.

Studies have even born this out. Some of the different data discovered in scientific studies on generosity?

- Generosity keeps stress at bay by keeping the stress hormone cortisol at lower levels.

- Generosity keeps us more committed and content in our jobs.

- Generosity helps us live longer.

- Generosity improves relationships.

- Generosity promotes good mental health.

Discover joy, Paul tells his church. Discover love. And generosity will help get you there.

Generous God, help us to share in your bounty