Sacrificial Giving: A Blueprint from 2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8

1 Moreover, brothers, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.

3 For to their power, I bear record, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4 Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take on us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.

6 So that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

7 Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.

8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

9 For 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 be rich.

10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which you have.

12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that he has not.

13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and you burdened:

14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went to you.

18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, on the great confidence which I have in you.

23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brothers be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

24 Why show you to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

Second Corinthians chapter 8 provides a profound blueprint for Christian stewardship, centered on the transformative power of divine grace. At its heart, the chapter illustrates that true benevolence is not measured by the amount given, but by the complete consecration of the soul to God 2 Corinthians 8:5PTUK December 28, 1893, page 611.15.

The Example of the Macedonian Believers

The Apostle Paul presents the churches of Macedonia as a beautiful illustration of self-sacrifice and loveRH May 9, 1893, par. 6+1. Despite facing a "great trial of affliction" and living in "deep poverty," their joy overflowed into "riches of their liberality" 2 Corinthians 8:1-2WM 205.1.

• Willingness Beyond Power: They did not give out of a sense of duty alone; rather, they gave according to their ability and even beyond their power 2 Corinthians 8:3CS 171.3.

• Urgent Entreaty: These believers actually pleaded with the apostles to accept their gifts, viewing the opportunity to help the suffering saints in Jerusalem as a precious fellowship 2 Corinthians 8:4AUCR July 21, 1899, par. 6.

• Total Consecration: The secret to their generosity was that they "first gave their own selves to the Lord" 2 Corinthians 8:5ST January 23, 1896, par. 4. Once they had given themselves, they held nothing back, and their possessions naturally followed their heartsPTUK December 28, 1893, page 611.15.

The Ultimate Motive: The Grace of Christ

Paul anchors the call to liberality in the matchless sacrifice of Jesus Christ 2 Corinthians 8:9RH December 14, 1897, par. 4.

• Divine Poverty for Human Wealth: Christ was infinitely rich in heaven, yet for our sakes He became poor so that we, through His poverty, might become rich 2 Corinthians 8:9PK 652.2+1.

• A Proof of Love: By practicing unselfishness and helping the needy, believers prove the sincerity of their gratitude for the mercy God has extended to themPK 652.2+1.

• Reflecting the Divine Image: When the Spirit of Christ abides in the heart, it will manifest the same fruits of love and self-denial seen in the RedeemerRH May 9, 1893, par. 6+1.

Practical Principles of Stewardship

The chapter also outlines how the work of God should be supported and managed with integrity.

• Equality and Proportionality: God does not require from a person what they do not have; He accepts gifts according to what a person has 2 Corinthians 8:12CS 119.1. The goal is a sense of equality, where those with abundance supply the needs of those in want 2 Corinthians 8:14.

• Honesty in Management: Paul was careful to provide for "honest things" not only in God’s sight but also in the sight of men 2 Corinthians 8:21. This teaches that those handling sacred funds must be strictly transparent and beyond reproach4LtMs, Lt 34a, 1886, par. 22+1.

• Individual Responsibility: Every believer is a steward of the talents and means lent to them by the MasterRY 84.1+1. We are not owners, but trustees who must eventually give an account of our stewardship9T 246.2+1.

The Call to Excel in Liberality

Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to "abound in this grace also," just as they abounded in faith, knowledge, and diligence 2 Corinthians 8:7RH May 15, 1900, par. 5+1.

• Developing Character: Practicing benevolence is the very work man needs, as it stirs the deepest sympathies of the heart and counteracts natural selfishnessCS 15.1+1.

• An Enduring Treasure: Those who are rich in good works are laying up a foundation for the future, providing for themselves an enduring treasure in heaven2T 683.2+1.

• Avoiding the Snare of Worldliness: Hoarding means for selfish purposes or to enrich children often becomes a "root of bitterness" and a snareRY 84.1+1. Instead, means should be used to build meeting-houses, establish sanitariums, and support missions to advance the kingdom of GodCS 45.1+1.