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.