freely and generously

2 Corinthians 8:3&4

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

We are in the Second letter to the Corinthians from the Apostle Paul. He helped start this church, he has moved on to others, but he is hearing that the church at Corinth is struggling, and he writes to try to help this body of believers to stay together. We get to read over their shoulder and learn from there mistakes. 

This section of the letter Paul began by comparing the Corinthians to the churches of Macedonia. They  were VERY good at giving to the ministry of God. Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to give abundantly like the believers in Macedonia. Who had as many challenges as the Corinthians, maybe more. 

Paul had founded all these churches and had spent much time with them. He knew them well and is qualified to make this comparison. Here he is pointing out that the Macedonians were willing to give more than they should have been able. Paul experienced their anxious desire to relieve the needs of others. They acted by choice, self-moved, voluntarily, of their own accord. They did not wait to be urged and pressed to do it. They rejoiced in the opportunity of doing it. They came forward of their own accord and made the contribution. Today's verses; "For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints."

The Macedonians gave freely and generously, turning over their charity to the Apostles to redistribute it as needed. They were modle givers, great examples for the Corinthians to follow. An inspiration to all. An inspiration to you and me!