Learning biblical generosity

“But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Cor 8:7).

One of the major ministries of Paul’s third missionary journey was the taking up of a special relief offering for the poor Christians in Judea. Besides the material assistance such an offering would provide, Paul also so this as an opportunity to strengthen the unity of the church by teaching the kind of equality all believers share.

In urging the Corinthians to follow through in their pledge, Paul points out that generosity can be extended to them as well: “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality…” (2 Cor 8:14). But what plenty did the believers in Judea have to share? I believe that answer is found the letter to the Romans, written shortly after 2 Corinthians. In it, Paul refers to the Gentiles sharing in the Jew’s spiritual blessings which obliges them to share their material blessings in return (Rom. 15:27).

It seems that God has arranged things in his church such that some have more material blessings to give and others have more spiritual blessings to give. This mutuality in sharing seems to be the equality Paul has in mind.

One example of such equality can be seen in Saskatoon, SK. The Bridge on 20th Street is a street mission which partners with various churches in Saskatoon. Together, they serve the hungry people bowls of soup, provide clothing through a give-away corner, and minister weekly Bible studies and Sunday services. The pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church says this about his church’s involvement: “Emmanuel’s relationship with The Bridge on 20th Street has been one of our most exciting partnerships.  It has allowed our congregation to express obedience to our Lord’s command “to bring good news to the poor.” We love the holistic vision of The Bridge to address the physical, emotional and spiritual hunger of people in the community.  Our involvement has blessed us in return, helping us realize our common spiritual poverty and the joy of learning to share.”

Whether we are need of material blessings or have some to give, it seems generosity is a grace that both the rich and poor can experience. Now that’s what excelling in the grace of giving can look like!