We are looking into the new born's generosity in their life walk, while they remain on earth for a short time as did Jesus. His being that of only 33-1/2 years, while ours is not so, as we are to be learning of him and being lights to those we come in contact with in our daily course of life. Continuing with the glory and grace being shown in the thought processes that mold a stable character, the likes of which not many people know or are willing to accept in a person of righteousness and innocence of chapter 8, until we come before Paul's commendation of Titus. GOD in Christ and Christ in us makes this transformation possible and steady as we shall see in the gospel narrative that lays ahead, wherein we become a people of GOD's integrity once again, and this is solid as a Rock.
2Corinthians 8:7-15 "Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written [in Exodus 16:18], He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack." (KJV)
2Corinthians 8:7-15 "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. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written [in Exodus 16:18], "Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack."" (ESV)
2Corinthians 8:7-15 "Now everything about you already shines with extravagant evidence of your faith, your conversation, your knowledge, your enthusiasm. All bears witness to the affection that we have awakened in you! This is your opportunity to now equally excel in the grace of giving! (Look to 1Corinthians 1:4, 6, "Every aspect of your life already gives eloquent expression to the rich reservoir of your union in him....You certainly have the testimony of Christ evidenced in you.") I am not laying out rules on giving to bring you back into bondage and duty-driven legalism. Your sincere love, encouraged by the enthusiasm of fellow believers, is what distinguishes your giving (is not from the old written code of tithing!) You are acquainted with what the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ communicates: He exchanges his riches for our poverty; the extremities of his identity with our poverty becomes the reference to our wealth. Everything he has is ours. (We are his wealth! look at Matthew 13:44, "He sold all he had and bought the entire field;" in this parable Jesus persuades us that we are all he has!) Here is my advice: since you originally came up with the idea a year ago, it can only be to your own advantage if you would now also complete your willingness by reaching into your resources and giving liberally according to your means. The willingness of heart is matched by what someone is able to give! I mean it is one thing to be willing to give a million dollars, but if you haven't got a million dollars then at least give the $10 you have! I am not suggesting that others must be eased at your expense. The idea is that everyone should always have enough; your abundance can now bring immediate relief to them and vice versa. The principle of "share and share alike" is as old as the Scriptures! (Look at Exodus 16:18)
We shall leave it here until our next visit. Now the LORD willing we shall complete this chapter and touch on the next, then. May our GOD and LORD reveal his richness and abundance within you and yours as his grace and glory exudes from him.
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