2 Corinthians 8:2-5 English Standard Version

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^[a] 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.

Footnote ^[a] says that the Greek word charis is interpreted favor here. This is the root word for charity. They are begging for the opportunity to be charitable in the midst of extreme poverty. When they ran out of money to give, they gave of themselves.

Charis is interpreted 130 times as grace. Grace in its most used definition is unmerited favor which is reserved mainly to describe God’s favor toward us. In this case these Corinthians in a selfless act desire to give grace, to give of themselves. What more evidence needs to be shown that God abides in the hearts of these people than these acts of grace?

Verse 7 ends with these words; “see that you excel in this act of grace also.” Paul recognizes and applauds their effort because it is showing the abiding presence of God. More often than not when people have exhausted everything, they think of charity as receiving, not giving. They pray for resources and not the opportunity to serve others.

When you have nothing left to give, give them your heart.

God did.

1 Corinthians 15:34 English Standard Version (ESV) Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

1 Corinthians 15:34 King James Version (KJV) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

Yesterday’s offering ended with; “This is about getting it right, not being right.” That comment might need a little explaining. While studying about righteousness these verses came up and it seems appropriate to address specific references here.

While the KJV uses the term righteousness, the ESV addresses the failures of seeing what is right and just. That comes down to being under the influence. That does not mean being drunk as some might think but ungodly influences can and do keep us from seeing the truth in what matters to God.

This goes beyond common definitions of knowing the bible and addressing the issues of who God is as we are taught. This is a personal relationship in which God is allowed to correct our thinking and reveal those things which must change in us in order to know and do His will.

Psalm 33:5 English Standard Version (ESV) He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.

Psalm 37:28 English Standard Version (ESV) For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.

So often we think of justice as punishment for the offender and in our zeal we are just with out mercy. We are told over and over again it is God who repays injustice and yet some often see themselves as God’s instrument of vengeance. We are not, we are the instruments of His love.

We do not get to choose who deserves God’s grace.