(7) But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also. (9) For you know the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty  might become rich.  (13) For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; (14)  but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that that their abundance may supple your lack – that there may be equality. (15) As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over and he who gathered little had no lack”.

This second letter to the CORINTHIANS was written by the Apostle Paul.  The verses we study today have application for today’s church in the manner of bestowing charity. Paul had agreed to take up a collection from the churches he founded and ministered to, for the poor of the church in Jerusalem.   In my research of the causes for this need in Jerusalem I read explanations of ostracism of the Christian Jews – economic embargo of the  Christians, etc.  but I think the best explanation is the new Christians believed the Messiah had come and this marked a turning point in history. I think they thought the end times were there and they just stopped commerce and were waiting for the end.  The point is the Christians in Jerusalem were suffering and needed help.

Paul here is not just recommending giving. On his missionary journeys,  Paul – who had every right to ask the community to support him – worked at his trade to support himself as it was needed.  He was an advocate for able men and women to work and endorses discipline for those who did not.  And as a rabbi Paul was perfectly aware that Jewish law demanded that the poor and helpless be given charity.

So Paul here is asking for a lifestyle of generosity.   He is asking that gifts for the  poor should be given thoughtfully and freely and cheerfully.  Both the giver and the receiver benefit.  The receiver has the obvious benefit but in many cases the receiver will give thanks to God.  The donor is developing an attitude of surrender and obedience and amazingly, contentment.  Not only is the giver learning to free himself/herself from attachment to material things, he/she is learning to depend on God for all their needs.

The immediate aim of giving is relief from want but the ultimate goal is to honor God.  Even though we are saved by faith, the profession of faith must be in works.  In our verses today the Corinthian donation signifies that they accept the Gospel – and Paul’s authority