2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT): "Since you excel in so many ways-in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us - I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving."

Paul was addressing the Corinthian church, who weren't participating in the collection to help the believers in Jerusalem. He made mention of the other churches who had eagerly given, describing it as a "em>privilege" to do so. His address and purpose of writing to the believers who chose not to give wasn't even about the money; it was about his concern that they had not been fully transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If they had, it would have been reflected in their lifestyle of generosity. Everything about God gives testimony of His generosity, motivated by sincere love. God the Father was generous enough to sacrifice His most prized possession, His beloved Son, so we would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus gave His very life in order to reconcile us back to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18, Galatians 1:4). Furthermore, Jesus prayed to the Father (John 15:15-18), to send us the Holy Spirit - Who not only is the Spirit of God, but came "loaded" with gifts (1 Corinthians 12), and helps us to produce fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Having His same nature, we are expected to demonstrate His generosity at every opportunity. The finished work of the cross challenges us to excel in giving - demonstrating the same generosity we have been so freely shown.