“For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.” (2 Corinthians 8:13-14)
Paul makes an appeal to the Christian believers at Corinth for a financial collection. Money was needed to assist the saints in Jerusalem who had been enduring difficult times for several years due to persecution by the Jews as well as famine caused by drought, agricultural failures and/or a natural disaster. In the process he presents some important reminders for Christians as to how we ought to behave toward fellow believers and why. Each of us called to be saints have a responsibility to demonstrate our commitment to the Lord with concrete, loving, and positive actions and sacrificial giving. We are to give out of the abundance whereby God has blessed us. Do we trust God enough to give freely and sacrificially for the sake of His Kingdom?
The best example and motivation for such sacrificial giving is Jesus Himself. When Paul says Jesus was rich he means that before He became man Jesus existed in eternity and enjoyed all the splendor and glory of heaven in fellowship with His Father and the Holy Spirit. He became poor when he became man. He set aside all His glory to become like us. He took on all our human weaknesses and became subject to pain, suffering and human authority so that He could die for our sins and reconcile us to Himself.
Jesus can give us the gift of monetary riches, but, more importantly, He makes us rich spiritually. He gives us faith, righteousness, and eternal life, priceless treasures no one can earn, worth far more than any of the goods and possessions we value here on earth. In Christ we have access to all His promises. Therefore, we do not have to worry for, if we trust Christ, we know He will take care of us in His way and in His time. Because of this we can give freely to those in need.