In next Sunday’s Lectionary, Paul is writing a begging letter to the Christians in Corinth. He wants them to contribute to relieving the needs of their sisters and brothers elsewhere. He has done something very important: has has connected theology (God-talk) with real life. He writes of ‘the generous act of Jesus Christ’ because he believes it is time for the people to do a generous act. There is no separation between the world of God and Jesus on one hand; and the world of daily living on the other hand. He is also generous with his flattery in order to achieve his ends… although maybe with his mindset infected with the love of Christ, he speaks the truth about his generous feelings about his fellow Christians.