2 Corinthians 8

http://www.esvbible.org/2+Corinthians+8/

Paul commends the Church at Macedonia for everything that they are doing. During their time of extreme suffering and trials, they rejoice and give abundantly. We should follow this example. In fact, Philippians, which is considered the most cheerful book of the Bible, was written by Paul while he was in prison. Not only that, they give while they are poor. It may be easy to say, well I can't give much; therefore, what I give won't help, and I should just stay away from giving. You have so much. God put you in your exact situation for a reason. He actively watches over you and doesn't leave your fate up to circumstance. We need to trust God entirely, and that includes with our finances. It all comes from Him anyway. The church gave themselves to God and the church because that was God's will for them. Paul shares this example with the Corinthians to test them by example of others. He reminds them of what Jesus did for them. he was rich, but for the sake of the world, He became poor to make us rich. Jesus had everything while He was in Heaven. When He talks about storing up treasures in Heaven, He already had them all, but He left all of that and came to the world as an impoverished carpenters son. He felt pain, exhaustion, humiliation, and all of the other sinless yet still painful human feelings. We should be able to temporarily live lives that those around us might not consider to be rich in order to help those less fortunate than ourselves and the church. God will only ask you for what He knows you can give, so give what He asks for. God will provide for you when you hit hard times if you have "provided" for Him and the church. We can't let people find fault with what we do, so we have to not only do things that are considered right in the ways of God, but also in the eyes of the people. We are ambassadors of Christ wherever we go, just as Titus and the others Paul sent forth were. We should pray for missionaries sent out to lands where the church needs help or asks for it because they are doing work for God.