“I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.” vs8

God has a right… and people have the right… to prove the sincerity of our love. It can't be all talk or “trust me.” It must be genuine love that shows itself in deeds. Our faith must have works. James 2:17 — "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Any religion that's all talk is worthless. Theology without good deeds and triumphing over sin is as devilish as any child molester in prison.

Paul takes the good works of the Macedonians, and says, “Stack up to this. Compare yourself with others.” We do this all the time! Look upon Abraham's sacrifice, and go do likewise. See the faith of the old saints, and follow them. Compare yourself with Paul. Philippians 3:17 — "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." Look at Amy Carmichael, Mary Slessor, and Elizabeth Elliot. Get gumption in your life.

Here, in 2 Corinthians 8, Paul talks about giving. Be generous! Not only did the Macedonians give, but they gave extravagantly in their poverty and affliction, with joyfulness, pleading with Paul to take it. 2 Corinthians 8:2-3, "for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord," This extraordinary lesson rebukes our selfishness and humbles us. We don't boast, and we reach deep into our pockets, asking God for grace to be generous.

Let this fill your mind. Not only are we to acknowledge examples, but we are to be like the greats in the faith. We don't put them in a museum. We set them before us as examples to be followed. Our deeds are not judged by their size, but by the heart behind them.

Secondly, the Lord Jesus impoverished himself, so we can become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 — "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." He didn't merely give, but he died to give. He gave so much that it hurt him. His was not a cheap sacrifice. It was the highest example of love, and the greatest act of God's goodness. John 15:13 — "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." To give up his immeasurable life to give grace to sinners, chosen beforehand, is the most stupendous generosity imaginable. He who gains nothing by us - who had no need in his heart - willingly laid down his life to give heaven - the knowledge of God's redeeming love - to others.

Now, go do likewise. Give so others might gain. Romans 15:26 — "For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem." Give in thanksgiving and obedience. Give to show your own generosity that's been bundled up in your heart. This is far more than tithing, which is law. This is grace!

Thirdly, complete the action. 2 Corinthians 8:10-11, "And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have." The desire is in you. Now, perform the duty.

You want to live holy, now do it. Don't merely wish for better days. Put in the necessary diligence. 2 Peter 1:5 — "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,"

Come to God by the gospel, daily. Put in the work of resisting temptation. Calculate the grief and the loss of the Spirit, then press through in obedience. I have a friend that I’ve spoken to for years about attending church, relying on the written word, and looking to Jesus, rather than religious arguments. After years of struggling, he’s putting into practice what he’s been told. Now, his soul is flourishing. He has joy, peace, and stability. Don't merely talk and wish, when the Lord is at hand. He hears prayer, and he's given us the Mediator. Obtain the promises and keep the commands.

Regarding giving, make your budget and put God first. Proverbs 3:9 — "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;" Honor him with the first fruit, not the leftover and the last. See where you can sacrifice. Experience the joy of generosity. Exchange it for guilt and greed. One saint I spoke to recently expressed grief over spending her money on herself, needlessly - eating out when she can cook, etc. She will have more joy in giving than serving herself. This is the best thing for us.

Let us order our lives by God's word! Bring your desires into fruition. Never leave spiritual things on your wishlist. Do the deed by God given power, because you seek and trust him.

Oh the wonders of a grace-giving God. We have commands that are matched with promises and the limitless power of the Spirit. He will do all that he has said. We can grow more than we think.