8:10-12
Churches can be very reluctant to talk about money, or occasionally go to the other extreme. Here we find Paul being very straightforward and also practical. First, he is not reluctant to give instruction! Previously they had given eagerly, but seem to have lapsed from this. This is a very human reaction. Quite often we will begin something with enthusiasm, but fail to keep going. If we want to be truly effective we need to be persistent. So Paul urges them to complete what they had started. Enthusiasm on its own is worthless unless it is backed up by actions. But the willingness is also important. Paul also then says that they were not expected to give what they did not have. There can be a fear in us that too much will be asked of us. We need have no such fear.
8:13-15
Paul was not wishing to make the Corinthians poor while others became rich, but that all might be equal. So while the Corinthians were relatively well-off they should support the Jerusalem church. Likewise, if at some later date the situation was reversed he would urge the Jerusalem church to support the Corinthians. Sometimes we can be willing to help others, but reluctant to receive help. This is not a good attitude to have, we need to be willing to accept help when needed. In God’s economy operated under God’s ways all will have enough. By the way, this is not a socialist economy, but nor is it a capitalist one either. Whatever sort of system our country is working under, we live in God’s economy and live according to His ways.
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