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. (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 become rich…..(13) For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; (14) but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack – that their abundance may also supply your lack – that there may be equality. (15) As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses Paul has written an encouragement, not a command, regarding Christian contributions to the poor.The recipients of money Paul collected for the poor in Jerusalem were Hebrew Christians who suffered for many reasons: conversion to Christianity resulted in social and economic ostracism , there was overpopulation in Jerusalem; increasing numbers of widows to care for, disinheritance, and persecution. Communal sharing of goods did not solve their economic problems as all of Palestine suffered from lack of food due to famine. There was opportunity for fellow Christian’s to show their true fellowship as the faithful are to minister to each other. This collection for needy Christians was a primary motivation for Paul while providing a visual demonstration of equality.

The objective of giving was not to make Jewish Christians rich and the Corinthian Christians poor – it was that there should be more equality than existed. We have a responsibility to care for each other. Also, the duty of the poor was self support to the extent of their ability. Paul did not legislate equality, he appealed for it – our responsibility here is clear. Paul counseled in matters concerning the use and expenditures of funds and material blessings. The message is Grace giving. This was not a tithe which belonged to the Mosaic law – not a legal requirement. Grace giving is a gift, not a debt. It is giving out if gratitude and not because we feel a duty to give. Christian giving is dedicated giving in faith. The example Paul used was the gift of Manna in the desert. By example this simply means when fellow believers have physical needs it is our responsibility to help them. It’s about fellow believers with legitimate needs. So Grace giving is faith giving and is itself a gift from God.

Human accounting judges generosity on the basis of the amount given. Divine accounting judges on the basis of the sacrifice. Generosity looks at giving as a privilege more than an obligation. Equality and mutuality are legitimate goals of generosity. The two governing principles in our verses are equality should govern our giving to those in need – the second principle is that of reciprocity; the economic shoe may some day be on the other foot when we may have a time of need.