2 Corinthians 8:1-9

"And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their won, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. So we urged Titus to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."

The Generosity of Christ

The point of giving is not so much the amount we give, but why and how we give. Genuine giving is giving out of devotion to Christ and love for fellow believers, for the pure joy of helping those in need. Therefore giving is a natural response of love.

Jesus gives us the perfect example of generous giving. He became poor by giving up his rights as God and becoming human. It was his sacrificial giving that has blessed each of us in terms of our salvation and eternal life, and has made us rich!!