2 Corinthians 8:1-7, The Grace of God

1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

For Paul, joy is not a happy mood but the saving grace of God in our lives. Because he has unfinished business with the collection for the church in Judea from the Corinthians, he implies a comparison of them with the Macedonians, who have given generously even though they are in extreme poverty. They have given beyond their ability through their acknowledgment of God’s grace in their lives.

Paul lets the Corinthians know that the Macedonians gave more, even demanding to be a part of the relief for their sisters and brothers in Jerusalem. They rededicated their lives to service for the Lord and then to Paul as his servant. Paul has assigned Titus to complete the Jerusalem collection he started in Corinth. Despite their troubles, Corinth was a strong church in many ways. Just because one needs correction does not mean one is weak or worthless. As they excel in many things, Paul wants them to excel in giving.

Reflection:

Give me thy grace, good Lord,

To set the world at naught,

To set my mind fast upon thee.

And not to hang upon the blast of men’s mouths.

To be content to be solitary,

Not to long for worldly company,

Little and little utterly to cast off the world,

And rid my mind of all the business thereof.

Thomas More, 1478-1535