(NRSV, 1989)

Now it is not necessary for me to write you about the ministry to the saints, 2 for I know your eagerness, which is the subject of my boasting about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year; and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you may not prove to have been empty in this case, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be; 4otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—in this undertaking. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you, and arrange in advance for this bountiful gift that you have promised, so that it may be ready as a voluntary gift and not as an extortion.

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.

6 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 9 As it is written,

“He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”

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.

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; 12 for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.

“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?

13 Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

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.