The Fellowship of Finances

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. (2 Corinthians 8:1-8 ESV)
The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit unites believers in many ways. We share in the forgiveness Christ has accomplished, a common faith, the gifts he has bestowed on us to use in the Body, and the joys of seeing Him at work in and through us. Paul says there is one more way that we demonstrate this oneness: sharing generously with one another when there is a genuine need. There is no rule that says we need to do this, except the law of love written in our hearts. It was something the earliest Christians demonstrated without force or even suggestion. These believers at Corinth needed a little nudge, and that concerned Paul. Our selfishness in this area should concern us as well. We should love the opportunity to give, to share, as an expression of our being a part of God's family and fellowship. May we excel at it.