I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving. But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you. 2 Corinthians 9:1-3 NLT
The Apostle Paul is genius in both motivational and inspirational writing to the New Testament churches. As he writes to Corinth, we need to remember just what kind of cultural values were common during that time. Point blank – Corinth was a wealthy city, filled with rich folk! It was a port city that had all the modern conveniences of its day. Goods and services from all over the world came through the city. As we read Paul’s letters, think of Corinth being similar to Newport Beach, California! Choices, options, entertainment, food and a hoppin night life surrounded by multi million dollar homes. Of course there were suburbs of great disparity, where the poor and middle class had to eke out a life, but the churches were a mixed bag of mostly Gentile converts. When Jerusalem was going through enormous persecution and believers were super poor, the leaders put out the call for money to be sent to Jerusalem to feed and cloth those who were suffering. Paul got an early commitment from the Corinth churches, but they had not yet made good on the promise.
Here in Paul’s second letter, he masterfully crafts just the right kind of positive pressure to help the churches keep their commitment. First Paul flatters their ego – I know how eager you are! Then he tells them how popular they among the other churches, even spurring the poorest of the poor churches in Macedonia to give! He’s comparing Corinth’s wealth to Macedonia’s extreme lack of resources. Telling the Corinthians they are a shining example of generosity for even those worse off than Jerusalem. Then, Paul gets a little bit Christian “mafia-ish.” He warns them, “I am sending the ‘brothers’”! Finally he assumes positive intent by saying, he knows that “the money is already collected.” And with one more dig… er… reminder he writes, I know you don’t want me to look bad! The money eventually was sent and Corinth’s generosity was appreciated.
I’m not saying it’s the best way to remind wealthy people or wealthy churches to be generous just as God was generous to every single one of us who follow Jesus – but it worked. 1. Honor and recognize the gift of wealthy people. 2. Remind them of their reputation as an example to others. 3. Assume positive intent and personally follow through, holding them to their good intentions. Does this sound like a good plan? It sure worked for Paul.
Prayer
Dad,
Rich or poor or in between, you have set the standard for giving and generosity! Not only did you give it all, you also supply it all. And, it’s not only impossible to out give you, it is pure joy to know that beyond what I need is an ample supply of money, time and resources. This comes into my life specifically given TO me so that you can give THROUGH me. What a joy it is to be generous! Thank you for the lessons of faith, value and reciprocity. Amen.