The Test of Giving (2 Corinthians 8)

But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.

(2 Corinthians 8:7)

The Corinthian Church had come a long way. In Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians, he expressed how they were not operating as followers of Christ should. But by the time he composed his second letter, the Corinthians had made great strides in their spiritual development. In Chapter 7, Paul expressed how excited he was that after receiving his first letter, they experienced godly sorrow and repented for their wrongs. The Corinthians had done a complete 180, and because of this, Paul as their proud spiritual father, encouraged them to reach for even more excellence in Christ.

In Chapter 8, Paul gave them great accolades. He said that they thrived in everything: “… you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us …” I can only imagine how reassuring reading this portion of Paul’s letter must have felt to the Corinthians. It must’ve felt amazing knowing that they were excelling in the things of God. May we all strive to abound in all things spiritual, just as the early believers did.

Yet, no one is perfect but Christ, so there is always room for improvement. After Paul commended them on their growth, he challenged them to grow in another area. Chapter 8 begins with Paul mentioning “the grace of God” that was bestowed upon the churches in Macedonia. He said that although they were poor and experienced a great trial of affliction, they had joy, and they gave freely.

Paul stated that the Macedonians gave even beyond their ability to give and used them as a church to imitate in terms of giving. Paul said, “see that you abound in this grace also.” Giving is a touchy subject for some people. Many people aren’t keen on giving because they may think the receiver of their funds will misuse their money and, therefore, misuse them.

But isn’t Christ misused continuously? Yet, He gave and continues to give to those who misuse Him. Paul says that although Christ was rich, He became poor for our sake so that through His poverty, we could become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). God knew people would misuse Christ. Christ felt and still feels how people often misuse Him—calling upon Him for deliverance but forsaking Him in obedience.

Yet, He still freely gave His life and still rains down blessings on the just and the unjust. To follow Christ is to follow His example of giving, despite what others may do with what we give. Christ gave and was rewarded with a seat next to His Father. May we also give and be rewarded according to God’s riches.

Paul clarified that his request that they excel in giving was not a command but a test. He said, “I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.” (v.8). Paul seemed fond of putting the Corinthians to the test. First, he tested their ability to forgive (2 Corinthians 2:9), and in this chapter, he wanted to test their giving.

If the test was before believers then, it is also before believers today. Will we give according to our means or, like the Macedonians, beyond it? The test of giving doesn’t require us to give to the point of poverty. Paul stated, “I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened” (v.13). The test to give was merely a call to establish equality and order.

Those with a surplus of wealth are not called to give all they have. They are simply called to help those in need. Paul says, “Your abundance may supply their lack, and that their abundance may supply your lack” (v.14). Equality for all is the goal. Helping one another—loving one another as ourselves is the point of the test of giving. Assistance for millions could be achieved if everyone followed God’s perfect law.

Yet, as it stands, unnecessary poverty evades the world. Yes, per Christ, the poor will always be among us, but perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad if confessed believers gave according to their means. We should not expect those in the world to share their wealth and pursue equality. Selfish ambitions will cloud their actions and prevent them from giving. But for the called, we are put to the test. We are asked to give.

If we acknowledge Christ as Lord, then He must be exactly that. Lord over our lives, Lord over our circumstances, and Lord over our giving. We must learn to trust Him in all things, and finances are no exception. But if we are not strong in giving or if we think we may fail the test of giving, it should be noted that per Romans 12:8, giving is considered a spiritual gift.

Therefore, I am confident that if we ask the Lord to bless us with the spiritual gift of giving, He will freely give it to us so that we may freely give to others. So then, we are without excuse. If we are not givers, we can ask to become givers. And if we are already givers, praise the Lord for our service in the kingdom of God … yet there is always room for improvement. Perhaps you are great at giving finances, but not your time. Maybe you could lend others your time in prayer or good old-fashioned Christian fellowship.

May we all seek God to improve our giving according to our ability and His will. The test of giving lies before each of us. Through the power of God, may we all pass with flying colors. May this message bless you, and may God keep you.

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