For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 NABRE
Paul is writing to the community at Corinth, the heart of this section of the letter concerns a collection of money for the church in Jerusalem who have many poor with needs. The community in Corinth had started a collection a while back and Paul is prompting them to willingly pick it up again and freely give to help those in need. He compares their generosity to the gracious act of Christ. He writes Christ became poor although he was rich, becoming poor for their (our) sake. Many believe this statement is best explained by Philippians 2:6-11 which begins, “Who though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.” It is a statement about Christ being rich before time began, His presence at creation suggests, ” … all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16) Before becoming man Christ would be considered very rich with all things created for Him, yet once He became incarnate, his situation changed. Paul uses words rich and poor because it is in the context of challenging the community for money. Jesus’ worth could never be measured in dollars and cents, rather He is highly exalted by God and He is also in the form of a slave. All this to say Jesus displayed a very gracious act of love, giving His all for others and asking for nothing in return. His entire life was lived for others, never once does His desires come before others.
Whether donating to our church, helping the poor or being generous in service our model is Jesus, who stopped being God, became man and lived for all. Put others first to live as a true disciple of Jesus.
What is your gracious act? Do you become poor for others?
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