Generous Or Grudging Gift
Although Paul has already written at length about the need for the Corinthian church to give all the money they had promised a year previously, he did not need to explain the reason for collecting money for the churches. They knew the reason – the believers in Jerusalem were facing hard times after many had left the city due to persecution, and the impact of a series of famines due to drought.
The Corinthians understood the need and had been eager to support the aid project. Indeed, their enthusiasm had already spurred the churches in Macedonia to give generously. Paul was concerned about the reputation of the church, because he had held up Corinth as a church which was willing and ready to give (2 Corinthians 8:10-11). If Macedonians came with Titus to collect the money, and the Corinthians were not ready, it would be a disgrace.
They needed to have all the money collected in advance. Otherwise their gift would be seen as grudging rather than generous and open-hearted. Their meanness of spirit would be an offence to the Gospel as well as a stain on their reputation. That is why Paul was sending the letter, so that they would be ready with the money all collected.
Giving which comes from a sense of duty will not be generous; its grudging motivation will become apparent to other believers. God already knows the grudging, mean-spirited, reluctant and selfish people. That is one of the reasons that this letter has been preserved for us because we need a direct challenge to give, putting our money where our mouth is. Although there may be a thousand reasons not to give, there is one overwhelming reason why we should (2 Corinthians 8:9). God gave His Son for us, and many blessings along with Him (Romans 8:31-32), therefore we should give out of gratitude. If we are not giving, we are not grateful and our worship avoids our wallets. Today is a day to lay this matter before the Lord. Ask Him what He wants you to give … and do not be surprised if He tells you to start with giving what you have already promised to give (2 Corinthians 8:6).
