2 Corinthians 8:1; Their Liberality

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

The churches in Macedonia has been sacrificially giving to help the poor in Jerusalem. Although they were not materially wealthy, they had given liberally for the cause of Christ. The Apostle Paul commended these churches. These churches were going through great affliction yet they were joyful in liberally giving to help other believers. A commendable spirit. It seemed that the collection to the saints in Jerusalem has not been completed, perhaps disrupted in the upheaval in the church in the matter that the Apostle Paul expressed in chapter 7 through his letter. Now there is a need to encourage the church in Corinth so that Titus can complete the collection and the funds can be quickly sent.

The psalmist observed well in Psalm 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. Indeed, as Jacques Maritain rightly said, “Bread for myself is a material question; bread for my neighbour is a spiritual question.” In this world it is not what we take up but what we give up that makes us rich.¹ [Henry Ward Beecher]

Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Amen.

¹Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World.