But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 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 Cor. 8:7-9
Generosity is the means of most measuring maturity in Christ. Paul tells the Corinthians to examine their giving and willingness to give as a test of genuineness. He says it's one thing to say you believe, to talk of believing, to know what you believe and look like you believe, but it's also important to excel in "this act of grace also"...giving. Our generosity exposes our gospel genuineness. Earnest faith in Christ is seen in eager generosity. Christians are to be radical givers. We know that we have been made rich in Christ so we no longer seek the things of this world to find our significance and security. We are not trusting in treasures or gold and silver but in the most valuable commodity the earth has ever known - the blood of Christ. Jesus left riches, wealth and storehouses of heaven for us a bunch of bankrupt, guilty embezzlers. What immeasurable grace is this - that the God of all would empty himself of everything to make me rich eternally.
Is the grace of the gospel seen in your generosity? Have you Experienced the saving grace of Jesus? Are you Expressing grace, Extending Grace, Excelling at Grace in your time, with your finances and in your willingness to sacrifice your lifestyle for the sake of the gospel which says that Jesus sacrificed himself for you. Are you Enjoying Grace today? Does it show?
