2Co 8:7-9, 7 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. 8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine…
The Apostle Paul gives us a sample of areas believers ought to excel, such as in faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, love, but then he adds, let all these be translated into practical sacrificial living acts of grace (unjustifiable kindness). Genuine faith is seen in how we live, this is the faith that works or faith at work, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead” (Jam 2:26).
The man who abounds in spiritual interest, fervent, prayerful, affectionate, and even speaks in the Church, should also be gracious to part with money. If we truly love the brethren, we will not grudge to help them in their distress; this is the mile of excellence. Christ for the life of us gives us an example: vs. “…9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” This is the one pattern that stands forever before the eyes of Christian men, the fountain of inspiration of acts of grace done out of love by none other than Jesus Christ our Savior and Master. (Jam 2:14-26). To be continued…