Jesus' example of giving

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. – 2 Corinthians 8.8-9

Maybe we need an example? Maybe we need something to compare our giving to? Maybe we need a goal?

Obviously we are not to compare our giving to other’s giving.

How’s this for an example? Jesus had all the riches of heaven. He gave it all up to take on the form of man and go to the cross so that we might enjoy the riches of glory.

Jesus pattern of giving was that He gave His all. Though He was God he did not see His godhood as something to hold on, but he took on flesh and the form of a servant. He gave up all the glories of heaven to provide the riches of heaven for us.

Mary and I have always believed in giving and we have always given – but I am challanged by this example. With this pattern of giving how am I doing?