Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 2 Corinthians 9:13
“Towards the end of an extended discussion about his collection for the poor among Jerusalem Jesus-followers (2 Corinthians 8-9), Paul broadens the frame of reference to speak not only of the Corinthians’ generosity towards the Jerusalem Jesus-followers, as evidenced by their collection efforts, but also of their generosity towards all others: “by the generosity of your contribution for them [i.e., Jerusalem Jesus-followers] and for all [others]”.
When considering Paul’s attitude towards poverty, this simple phrase is far from being a casual throw-away line. It is indicative of a person whose concern for one particular subset of people arises from a more general concern for those in material need. In Paul’s view, the generosity of the Corinthians towards other Jesus-followers in Jerusalem did not comprise a circumstantial and isolated event that, once completed, fulfilled and concluded their obligations to the economically disadvantaged.
Neither was their generosity to the Jerusalem Jesus-followers expected to derail all other forms of generosity while the collection was in progress. Instead, for Paul, Corinthian generosity represented an instantiation of a general practice of generosity that was to characterize the ongoing corporate life of Jesus followers “for all” of the needy.”
Bruce Longenecker in Remember the Poor: Paul, Poverty, and the Greco-Roman World (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2010) 140-141.
Longenecker was among the participants at the Global Generosity Roundtable. Afresh I was inspired by his meticulous scholarship and keen insight. In this book, he expounds on the Apostle Paul’s commitment to “remember the poor” (Galatians 2:9-10) whom Jesus repeatedly instructed disciples to serve. Longenecker reminds us from today’s Scripture that our service to the poor should not be limited to helping a few struggling friends in need of our aid, it should be universal! That is, it must be a defining feature of our distinctly Christian generosity.
Jesus taught us that our love, evidence by our actions toward others, must not merely be directed to friends or our own people, but to strangers who may be blind, crippled, or in need, and even to enemies (cf. Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 14:12-14; et al). How does your faith demonstrate that you remember the poor, evidenced by care for friend, stranger, and enemies in need around you? Take time today to pray and ask God what defining deeds you resolve to practice. The early church was known for remembering the poor like Jesus. Will that be said of you?
And let me remind you that Lent begins next week. The three disciplines Jesus-followers have practiced in Lent for centuries are giving to the poor, prayer, and fasting. Perhaps start thinking of how you will remember the poor during Lent and beyond.