Paul wants to make sure that Corinthian church remains the example of generosity, commitment, and faith that it had become. Titus and the other brothers are there to encourage the Corinthians to remain motivated to fulfill their pledge to provide assistance. Their failure to follow through could very well hinder the mission of the apostles and damage their reputations. They are being sent ahead of Paul “so that it may be ready as a voluntary gift and not as an extortion” when he arrives. 

As God’s children—like David—they have been promised great blessings by God. In verse eight, Paul reminds the Corinthians again that God provides abundance so that they “may share abundantly in every good work [of the gospel].” Believers must ultimately choose to give so that they might fulfill their call and purpose. Those who put little effort into this work will receive little because of it. In the Expanse novels there is a saying: “The more you share, the more your bowl will be plentiful.” 

 

Now I know there are some rolling eyes out there—and maybe even some charges of communism—but hear me out. These rolling eyes are the result of Christians “keeping it real”/”Let’s be honest.” This only works if everyone in the Church shares, and we know that isn’t going to happen: If I’ve heard it once I’ve heard it one-thousand times. This is called an excuse. The truth is, I am afraid that many in the Church today—many Christians in our part of the world—are happy with the Church being a country-club, social club, or politically oriented 501-3(c). In none of these do we have to be vulnerable or to trust; we only have to worry about ourselves. I think this is why Paul was very specific about two things: Firstly, the desire to provide must come from of a person’s heart, and, secondly, that desire will only arise after a person devotes himself or herself to the things of the Lord. As the Corinthians grow “in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness” they also grow in the desire to be generous. (8:7) Or to put the opposite spin on it: a lack of generosity demonstrates a lack of faith. 

“The more you share, the more your bowl will be plentiful.” God makes no promise of blessing without the willingness to “sow”—without the desire to be generous, so God’s promise comes at a price. But again, as we grow in faith—if we are growing in faith—we will want to be generous. This will take the three Cs: courage, commitment, and Christ. When we do, this ministry provides for the needs of the saints, the spreading of the gospel, and brings “thanksgivings to God.” Through generosity—through our willingness to share—we share the mind of Christ. So, if we know this to be true—it is right here in the bible, after all—why don’t we do it? 

The Corinthians’ opportunity to minister to the needs of the Jerusalem church is a test. Does this not apply to the Church always and everywhere, even here? In verse thirteen, Paul appears to link the Corinthians’ willingness to be generous with their confession of faith in Jesus Christ; faith without generosity is not faith.