FROM POVERTY TO RICHES

Paul taught the love that should be lived by the Corinthian church. This is written in 1 Corinthians 13. However, the Corinthian church has not yet shown their love. Although historically Corinth was a prosperous trading city, they need encouragement to fulfill their promise to show love. Therefore, Paul reminds the Corinthian church to promptly express their willingness to give (verse 10-11).

Paul used the Macedonian church as an example. Although economically poor, the Macedonian church was abundant in generosity (verse 2). They experienced many hardships, but willingly offered themselves to give with overflowing joy. Even with their sincerity, they were willing to give beyond their ability.

Paul also reminded the Corinthian church through the sacrifice of Jesus who willingly became poor in order to make His people rich. Poverty and riches here are not about material wealth. Jesus is called rich because He possesses the glory of God. However, He became poor by humbling Himself, living as a human, and even willing to die on the cross. Meanwhile, His people are made rich spiritually. Saved, receiving grace, living in love, and experiencing blessings in Him. Ideally, it is this spiritual wealth that transforms hearts and characters so that God's people become generous.

We too have been made rich by Jesus. So, whose character is ingrained in us? Are we like the Macedonian church, poor in material wealth but rich in love, or are we still like the Corinthian church, rich in material wealth but poor in love? --EBL/www.renunganharian.net