2 Corinthians 8:5

French S21 2007 (Bible Segond 21)

Ils ont fait plus que ce que nous espérions, car ils se sont d'abord donnés eux-mêmes au Seigneur, puis à nous, par la volonté de Dieu.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from the Bible describes a group of people who didn't just give what was expected but went beyond and offered themselves first to God, then shared with others as a result of God's will. The speaker is Paul writing to the Corinthians about these generous people.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a lemonade stand. Instead of waiting for people to buy your lemonade, you decided to give away all your lemonade and even offered to help other kids set up their stands too. That’s like what this verse talks about – giving yourself first to God, then sharing with others.

Historical Background

The letter was written by Paul to the church in Corinth around 53-57 AD. He is praising the generosity of the Macedonian churches and encouraging the Corinthians to emulate their example in supporting those in need.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, this might mean volunteering at a homeless shelter not just because it's expected but because you truly want to serve others out of love for God and a desire to follow His will. This kind of service comes from the heart and is motivated by faith.

Topics

• generosity
• faithfulness
• sacrifice
• service
• obedience
• love

Related Verses

• Philippians 2:1-4
• Romans 12:1-2
• Luke 6:38
• Matthew 5:16
• Acts 4:32-37

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to give oneself to God?

To give oneself to God means offering all aspects of your life for His purposes and service, not just material things or time but also one's heart and will.

How can we follow the example set in 2 Corinthians 8:5 today?

We can seek to genuinely give ourselves fully to God first, then allow Him to direct our actions in serving others, just as Paul praises the Macedonians for doing.

Why is it significant that their giving came 'by the will of God'?

This emphasizes that true generosity and service arise from following God's leading rather than human expectations or pressures.

What can we learn about community support from this verse?

We learn that when communities prioritize giving themselves to God first, they are more likely to genuinely support each other out of a spirit of true generosity and love.