When Poverty Produces Generosity

"Paul says, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in…” Now I just want you to imagine how you would anticipate this verse ending. How do you think it ends? It welled up in … welts … beatings? That would make sense. Maybe it welled up in … gold stars and a thumbs-up from God? Maybe even better. Maybe welled up in … eternal rewards … heaven? Paul says, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in RICH GENEROSITY.” Rich generosity. God gives them something great — Paul calls it a grace. Then Paul says that their life is hard, but Paul says that they have overflowing joy … and they have extreme poverty. And then Paul says all of those things turn into … rich generosity. Rich generosity." Ben Webb, Lead Minister