Paul is addressing a heart issue with the body of believers by encouraging us to give generously. I get it, we all may roll our eyes a little at the overused idea of culture telling us to be good, give to others, take care of whats around you etc. BUT what culture is actually telling you is that you can have your cake and eat it too. What I mean by that, is worldly culture is encouraging us to serve ourselves with all of our desires first, THEN, give generously, take care of others, and be good. So the world says only to give out of excess after you have served yourself first, well Paul is speaking to the Corinthians basically saying that is completely backwards. Our personal wants come absolutely last, beyond basic necessities of life, we are to be serving generously the community around us first, then come back to our own wants. Paul first uses a current event with the churches of Macedonia, stating that they are living in extreme poverty, but are finding joy in the Spirit, and are overflowing with generosity. They gave within their means so they could still meet their needs, but also pushed beyond that in order so others can see the Divine in their generosity. Just in case that wasn’t enough to convince the Corinthian church of this image of generosity, he gives us a perfect image. Our perfect image of what this looks like? Christ’s life and complete sacrifice for our lives, so we could have the opportunity to choose relationship with the Father and Heaven for our eternal life. Jesus’ life and death is the epitome of generosity. His works on earth and then obedience to God in accepting His own death, knowing the pain He would endure, is the height of what generosity looks like. Christ gave us eternal riches at His own expense…

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

2 Corinthians 8:9

Paul asks us if we are ready to give up a life of serving ourselves. Generosity must come from a pure selfless heart, from a place of Divine love for other people. Generosity isn’t meant to also serve our own pride, ego, or make us feel better about ourselves. It is about letting go of your life and giving it to others. So Paul reminds us that we are fully equipped to be generous with a pure heart, if we are ready, because in readiness, we are able to receive wisdom, truth, and overflowing joy from the Father. Therefore all of God’s promises fall upon us like Spring rain upon the earth. So step out of your earthly body and let Heaven shine upon you and water your soul.

Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”

Hosea 6:3