If Christ gave up so much for us, why should we not say we cannot give?
Christ voluntarily left His riches, became poor, humbled Himself, and was obedient unto death, even the cross, for our salvation. Since He gave up absolute control and took the role of a slave, believers should adopt the same attitude. Therefore no one should claim they cannot give.
Les explains that Paul uses Christ's example in relation to Christian giving. Christ did not have to do it, but of His own volition He humbled Himself and became obedient even unto death, the death of the cross. If God in the person of Christ was willing to leave that area of absolute control of the universe and take on Himself the role of a slave for our salvation, then who are we to say, "I can't give anything, I can't give so much?" Paul then urges the Corinthians to perform and complete the doing of it out of what they have.
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.
More Questions
Why does Paul use Christ's humility as a reason for Christian giving?
Paul uses Christ's self-humbling as the model for Christian giving, so believers must adopt the same kind of attitude.
Why does Paul bring up Christ's humility when talking about Christian giving?
Paul uses Christ's self-humbling in relation to Christian giving because believers have to take that same kind of attitude.