This chapter oozes love and generosity. It is like Jesus to choose poverty when you are rich.
In severe affliction and deep poverty -- they gave. We don't think of that as a starting point for generosity. Generosity, for us, starts when I'm comfortable and have enough. To give out of poverty requires grace given to the church (2 Cor. 8:1-3). Would you rather have grace or money?
They took care to protect the offering, choosing trustworthy and proven companions for Titus.
They gave themselves first to the Lord, then to us, according to the will of God. That is the launching point for Christian generosity (2 Cor. 8:4-5). I must give myself to the Lord first. My finances are simply and indication of whether or not that has happened.
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