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 through His poverty might become rich.
— 2 Corinthians 8:9 —
Aleksander G. | Russia
The Incarnation of the Son of God reminds us of the amazing grace which transforms a spiritual pauper into someone who is spiritually rich. We never cease to marvel at the Son’s willingness to sacrifice Himself. Grace was displayed in this sacrifice! Yet these words, mixed with Paul’s call to mutual service, intimate that the grace that was given to us puts on us the responsibility to be rich in the area of practical righteousness, to be generous and sacrificial, storing up treasure in heaven. Paul reminds us about the grace of Christ with the words “for you know.” Even though grace, by definition, is given to us freely, that doesn’t mean it didn’t come at a high cost. Addressing the Corinthians, whose willingness to sacrifice was waning, he appeals to their knowledge of gospel truth. There are times that we are like the Corinthians. We know about the grace given to us by the Lord Jesus, but we act as if struck by spiritual amnesia and forget that the grace of Christ demands sacrifice as the apostle admonished, “see that you abound in this gracious work also” (2 Cor. 8:7). When we turn our gaze away from Christ, we undoubtedly fix it on something temporary or material. Take time to meditate on Christ, who secured salvation for us by giving Himself for us. Even though grace, by definition, is given to us freely, that doesn’t mean it didn’t come at a high cost. The Lord Je- sus, taking on bodily form and dying on the cross, paid a dear price. Remind yourself that the grace of God compels us to give of our- selves—first of all to the Lord and, secondly, to the work of the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5).
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