How does 2 Corinthians 8:6 connect with the teachings of generosity in Proverbs? A Grace to Finish (2 Corinthians 8:6) “So we urged Titus to help complete this act of grace, just as he had begun it among you.” Paul calls the Corinthian offering an “act of grace.” The giving itself springs from God’s grace and, once begun, should be brought to completion. Scripture presents generosity as an obedient response to God’s favor, not a side matter. Generosity Celebrated in Proverbs • Proverbs 3:9-10 — “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” • Proverbs 11:24-25 — “One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” • Proverbs 19:17 — “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” • Proverbs 21:13 — “Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.” • Proverbs 22:9 — “A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” • Proverbs 28:27 — “He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who shuts his eyes will receive many curses.” Shared Truths Between Paul and Proverbs • Divine ownership: both passages assume everything belongs to the Lord, so giving returns His gifts (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Grace-based giving: Paul calls it an “act of grace”; Proverbs 3:9 frames giving as honoring the Lord. • Promise of divine supply: 2 Corinthians 9:8 echoes Proverbs 3:10 and 11:25—God enriches givers so they can keep giving. • Warning against withholding: Solomon speaks of poverty and unanswered cries; Paul cautions Corinth not to falter but to finish. • Blessing others refreshes self: Proverbs 11:25 parallels Paul’s later statement, “you will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way” (2 Corinthians 9:11). Layers of Motivation 1. Gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice (2 Corinthians 8:9) mirrors the reverence for the Lord that undergirds Proverbs 3:9. 2. Compassion for the needy—Jerusalem believers then, anyone in need now (Proverbs 19:17). 3. Desire to mirror God’s character: generous, faithful, always giving good gifts (James 1:17). Practical Steps to “Complete This Grace” • Finish what has been started: honor pledges and intentions just as Titus helped Corinth. • Give first, not last: treat offerings like firstfruits, not leftovers. • Keep the channel open: trust God’s promise of replenishment, refusing fear-based hoarding. • Seek opportunities: listen for “the cry of the poor” and respond promptly. • Cultivate consistency: regular, proportionate giving (1 Corinthians 16:2) reflects the steady wisdom of Proverbs. Summary Connection Paul’s appeal in 2 Corinthians 8:6 aligns perfectly with Proverbs: generosity is a commanded, grace-fueled practice that honors God, blesses others, and invites His continued provision. Completing the act of grace turns good intentions into tangible obedience, showcasing the timeless unity of scriptural teaching on giving. |
    |