Verse 7
Paul now called on them to remember the vastness of their spiritual resources and to make sure liberality marked them as a congregation as did so many other gifts of God’s Spirit (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12:31; 1 Corinthians 14:37).
"The Corinthians were strong in activities that are local to and centered upon them (miracle-working faith, charismatic speech, and theological understanding), but weak on those that are for the benefit of those outside, in this case the ’saints of Jerusalem.’" [Note: Barnett, pp. 403-4.]
This verse elevates giving to the status of a spiritual gift on the same level as faith, speech, knowledge, zeal, and even love.
"An ungenerous Christian is far from being a complete Christian." [Note: Tasker, p. 114.]
"I have met pastors and missionaries who have argued that, since they devote their whole time in serving the Lord, they are not obligated to give. Paul argued just the opposite: since you are wonderfully gifted from God, you ought to want to give even more!" [Note: Wiersbe, 1:656.]
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