In previous verses, Paul had just finished talking about the generosity present among the Macedonian churches and how the Corinthians had inspired it and God had enabled it. Because of this, Paul directed Titus (a ministry partner of his who had been spending time with the Corinthian church) to help the Corinthians follow through on their promised giving to the troubled churches in Jerusalem. Paul refers to this act of giving as "gracious" on the part of the Corinthians. We've noticed before that the word "grace" means "undeserved favor" and typically we see this word describing the actions of God. But we are to mimic God in this respect, showing generosity even if we think someone is undeserving of it. (v.6)
The Corinthian church excelled in many ways that Paul acknowledges here. Attributes common to those in this church community included strong faith, effective speech, valuable knowledge and earnest love. Paul uses encouragement, instead of criticism, to motivate the Corinthians. While there is a place for both, sometimes the most effective improvement can be brought about by telling someone, "you're on a roll! Keep going!" (v.7)
True grace cannot be commanded of someone. It isn't given out of obligation, but out of a free desire to express love or support to someone else. Paul recognizes that and so makes it clear that he is not commanding the Corinthians to give to this special cause. But he did see it as an opportunity to test the sincerity of the Corinthians. It can be very easy to make commitments when we are having a charitable or motivated moment. But our generosity is proven real only when we follow through with what we've said we will do for someone else.
In this instance, Paul also thought it would be useful to compare the sincerity of the Corinthians to the sincere generosity of the churches they inspired. Whoever speaks out to "lead the charge", as the Corinthians did, should be prepared to march at the front of the line. (v.8)
The greatest example of generosity we have is found in Jesus. Paul says that "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor"(v.9). What does this mean? We find answers by looking at a couple of different places in scripture.
Philippians 2:7 says that Jesus "emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men." But Jesus remained fully God even during his ministry on earth. (John 10:30) So what could he have emptied himself of and still remain fully God? One answer at least is glory. In other words, recognition of who he is, the value he has and the rightful place of rule he is owed among humanity. We see indication that this was given up in John 17:5 when Jesus says to God the Father, "And now Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." The tenses used in the original language indicate that Jesus at one time had a level of "glory" that he gave up for his mission on earth, but that he regained after his resurrection. (After all, there is no need to ask for it if Jesus already has it.)
There is no way we can even fathom what giving up this glory meant to Jesus. His glory is of infinite value because he is infinitely good and infinitely worth praising. So it follows that what he gave up was of infinite value as well.
So Paul is pointing to Jesus as the ultimate example of serving and giving because he gave up a measureless amount of what he is entitled to, so that those who trust and believe in him can gain the eventual riches of having his righteousness and glory reflected perfectly in themselves for all of creation to look at in wonder.
Next Week- How Much Should Or Shouldn't We Give?
Coffee House Question- Who is someone that has given you "undeserved favor"(grace) at some time in your life? Who do you know that you could target with some "undeserved favor" this week?
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