Paul used the gospel to encourage generous giving:
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9
He who was rich made himself poor so that you might rich in God. Here is what some may call a transfer of wealth. Jesus is the chief of generous givers.
Love motivated Jesus to become the sacrificial lamb of God, who atoned for our sin. He went from wealth to poverty that we might go from poverty to wealth. He is our motivation and example in how to give generously.
When you find it difficult to give, reflect on the cross of Jesus Christ. He left heaven with all its splendor and glory to die on a Roman cross for our sakes. Nothing we do could ever equal what he’s done for us. However, the cross can and must always motivate us to be like our Lord, even when it comes to giving.
