So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. 2 Corinthians 9:5
“Concerning the way of giving. Theodoret notes that in 2 Corinthians 8:10-12 Paul wants the Corinthians to understand that God measures the offering by the capacity of the giver; He takes interest in “the quality of the free will” rather than the quantity. In his reading of 2 Corinthians 9:5, Theodoret writes that throughout his discourse Paul never calls the collection a philanthropic deed, but “only a gift, fellowship, alms”…
He concludes that the apostle expected the contribution to the collection to be done joyfully because he knew well that the extortioner is irritated whereas the generous giver is glad. Since Paul had given everyone the freedom to decide the measure of one’s giving, he found it important to give a further exhortation through the farming metaphor in 2 Corinthians 9:6. In Theodoret’s view, Paul calls generosity seed in order to express its variegated fruits.
A bit further, while commenting on verses 12-13, he explains that the results of the Corinthians’ generosity consist in the relief of the saints’ needs and praises to God. He remarks that Paul challenged miserly givers by indicating that the harvest is proportionate to the amount of sowing; yet once again the apostle returnd to his principle of free will in 2 Corinthians 9:7 in which he spoke of God’s love for the cheerful giver.
Theodoret writes that elsewhere, in Romans, Paul speaks of the one who gives out of mercy and joyfully. He concludes that from a satisfied soul springs the offering of money.”
Viateur Habarurema and Theodoret of Cyrus 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 Theodoret of Cyrus on this biblical text (393-457).
Three things are noteworthy for modern readers interested in encouraging Christian generosity.
Firstly, God measures an offering by our capacity. In plain terms, He looks at what we don’t give and what that says about our hearts than about what we do give. And He never forces the giving, but always encourages it to flow from free will so it remains a show of trust and love.
Secondly, it’s not a philanthropic deed. In using terms like “collection” the apostle is noting that the gift is for God. It’s a “fellowship” or “sharing” as everything comes from God. It’s a “alms” in that it shows Christian care for those who are in crisis and need mercy and grace.
Thirdly, generosity springs from satisfied souls. These are people who realize that all they need is found in Him so when He supplies abundance, it’s for a purpose. They know this and so it abounds from them by grace. It springs like a powerful fountain.
As you know, God has provided a $5,000 USD matching gift for AfCAA in Africa to help them build capacity in thin times. In real time I can relate to Paul who encouraged a collection from souls with capacity and prayed that rich generosity would spring forth.
I don’t know your capacity, but I know this. God loves cheerful givers who show grace and mercy by helping their brothers and sisters. With one day left, this GTP effort has reached $3,409 from 33 givers. Please click here to give cheerfully and join this movement of grace.
Your gift will be used by AfCAA to meet needs and result in praise and thanksgiving to God.