Although Paul wanted to encourage the Corinthians to contribute generously towards the gift for the Jerusalem church (2 Corinthians 8:6), he could not command them to give. Giving is an act of freewill (2 Corinthians 9:7), motivated by love (Galatians 2:20). Without freewill or love – the gifts are meaningless. However, the church had previously been eager to give (2 Corinthians 9:2). But how sincere were they? Did their promise mean nothing?

So, Paul reminded them about the sacrificial gifts made by the impoverished Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8:1). They had promised to give and followed it through by committing themselves to the Lord, meeting the needs of the Apostolic team, then begging for the privilege of giving to the suffering church in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:2-5). Paul wrote about that example of giving, not to manipulate but to challenge the Corinthians to consider why they had not taken action. The implication was clear: were the Corinthians sincere or were they only saying what they thought the apostle wanted to hear, without any intention of making a gift?

Not only does Paul compare the attitudes in Corinth with those in Macedonia, he compares them to the Lord Jesus Christ. If they truly belonged to Christ, they should have had Christ's attitude of sacrificial giving (Philippians 2:5). He did not cling onto His riches; He did not please Himself (Romans 15:3); He gave everything of Himself so that we might receive unmerited spiritual riches. His motivation was love; His decision was of His own free will. It was genuine grace because we did not earn it, pay for it or even ask for it. Christ's attitude is the model of gracious giving for all of us.

The application ought to be obvious. But perhaps it is helpful to question why we do not take action if we have promised to give. Are we insincere in our promise? Are we conveniently lazy? Are we just wanting to keep what we possess because we do not love enough to give? Are we bound to reluctantly fulfil some duty-pledge but delay action as long as possible? Do we believe that if we give there will not be enough for ourselves? Do we just not care about others? Do we not care for the people who are loved by God? Do we have the mind of Christ? These questions should probe our motivation and sincerity. Please ask the Lord where He wants you to give.