2 Corinthians 8

The Explanation

Paul writes a letter to the church in Corinth, and he tells them a story about some other people first. In a place called Macedonia, there were churches full of people who did not have much money. Some of them were poor, really poor. Life had been hard for them, hard like a storm that will not stop.

But something amazing happened. These poor people wanted to give money to help other believers who were suffering far away. They did not just give a little. Paul says they gave "beyond their power," which means they gave more than anyone thought they could. They even begged Paul, "Please, let us be part of this. Let us help too!"

Would you have expected that from people who had almost nothing themselves? Paul did not expect it either. He says it surprised him. First, he explains, they gave themselves to the Lord. The giving of money came after that, like water flowing out of a full cup.

Paul then turns to the Corinthians. A year earlier they had promised to collect money too. Now Paul says, "Finish what you started." Not because he is ordering them like a king ordering soldiers. He wants to see if their love is real, the way you can tell if a rope is strong by pulling on it.

What Does This Mean?

This is not really a story about money. It is a story about hearts. Paul wants the Corinthians to see that giving does not start with a coin in your hand. It starts with belonging to Jesus first. When your heart already belongs to him, your hands open up easily.

Paul also says something important: nobody has to give what they do not have. God is not asking for more than what is in your basket. He is asking, is your basket open at all?

The Common Thread

Right in the middle of the chapter, Paul writes the most important sentence. "You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich."

Think about that. Jesus was rich, richer than any king with gold crowns and silver ships. But he left all that behind. He became poor, so poor he was born in a stable and later had no place to lay his head. Why? So that we, who had nothing to offer God, could become rich instead. Rich with forgiveness. Rich with belonging to him forever.

The poor churches in Macedonia were only doing a small copy of what Jesus already did. He gave everything first.

For You

You do not need a big allowance to give like the Macedonians gave. Maybe you have a little money saved up. Maybe you have time, or a toy, or bread on your plate while a friend has none. Paul says God does not look at how much is in your hand. He looks at whether your hand is open.

You could give some of your money to someone who needs it. You could share your snack even when you were looking forward to eating it all yourself. Ask yourself the question Paul asked the Corinthians: did I only promise, or did I actually do it?

Talk About It

Why do you think poor people who had almost nothing still wanted to give money away?

Can you think of something small you could give away this week, even though it might cost you something?

Praying Together

Lord Jesus, you were rich, but you became poor for us. Thank you that because of you, we can be rich with you forever. Help us open our hands like the poor churches did, and give what we have, even when it is small. Amen.