In this chapter, Paul continues trying to convince the Corinthians to give to the ministry. He is raising support for believers in impoverished communities. He starts out saying that he has already bragged to the Macedonians about their generosity, and wants make sure they actually give something so he doesn’t look like a fool. He doesn’t want to either beg or bribe them to give, instead he wants them to give from their hearts.

He reminds them they have already been blessed and they should give out of their bounty. He leans in on the agricultural idea of sowing generously in order to reap generously. If they want more blessing, they must reinvest some of their crop. All of their blessings come from God who gives the sower their seed. He says that God loves a cheerful giver, and he is able and willing to provide them with what they need. 

Paul quotes Psalm 112 about the blessed man who gives generously to the poor and how he will remain. He says giving to the saints is giving to God, and the others will express gratitude to God on behalf of them. 

There is a lot of individuality in our current culture. We work hard and pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. Then, we expect others to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. We even discourage people from giving to the needy by saying that it keeps them dependent. But in this situation, interdependency is what Paul is pressing for. He wants the different groups to go beyond language barriers and culture to help the other from their abundance and ability. The kingdom of God is not individuals, but a family sharing and giving mutual support.