For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable [εὐπρόσδεκτος] according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:12
“Concerning the amount to be given, Chrysostom marvels at Paul’s extraordinary wisdom in his use of the Macedonians’ zeal and the qualifications of the contribution as acceptable in 2 Corinthians 8:12. He observes that Paul asked the Corinthians to do according to what one possesses and leaves the Macedonians’ example to do its work. In effect, asserts Chrysostom, Paul was aware that emulation stimulates people much more than exhortation does.
Furthermore, he argues that the word εὐπρόσδεκτος [acceptable] used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:12 to qualify one’s contribution implies what is required by God. But John explains that the apostle softened this notion by leaving the Corinthians at liberty to decide because he trusted the efficiency of the example he had cited to them… The righteousness which lasts forever is love shown to people.”
Viateur Habarurema and John Chrysostom in Christian Generosity according to 2 Corinthians 8-9: It’s Exegesis, Reception, and Interpretation Today in Dialogue with the Prosperity Gospel in Sub-Saharan Africa (Carlisle, UK: Langham Monographs, 2017) 182.
Habarurema lectures full-time at Protestant University of Rwanda and pastors part-time. In this work, he explores 2 Corinthians 8-9 through church history. Today recounts his findings from the writings of John Chrysostom on this biblical text (c. 347-407).
Don’t miss the powerful point that Chrysostom makes which Habarurema echoes for us concisely: “emulation stimulates people much more than exhortation does.” Let’s reflect on this in light of our collective desire to grow in Christian generosity and to help others in this.
It means, in plain terms, that people will grow in this grace if we show them the way, more than just speaking about it. The generous example, which in this case was the Macedonians, served as a great illustration that was bolstered by the explanation of what is “acceptable” giving.
By the way, this points to a common questions people ask me. “How much should I give?” They ask. I respond by quoting today’s Scripture. Giving that is”acceptable” to God is putting to work what you possess for God. This demonstrates trust, but is never forced, only inspired.
Habarurema and Chrysostom go on to note that the Apostle Paul rightly calls us to look to the “example of self-impoverishment” of Jesus as the ultimate model to emulate. God, use human examples to inspire our generosity but help us follow the model of Jesus as our guide. Amen.
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