Read John 3:16
Why should followers of Jesus “be rich” in good deeds and live open-handedly? At the core of Paul’s command to “be rich” is an understanding that God exemplifies generosity. When we were his enemies because of our sinful choices, God gave his very best to us - his one and only son, Jesus Christ. Later, in the New Testament, Paul tells us that “God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Don’t miss this - God was so rich in mercy that he exchanged our imperfection for his son’s perfection. There is no more significant act of generosity the world has ever known. What’s even better is that this offer is still open to anyone who chooses to place their faith in Jesus. We live generously because we are recipients of extravagant generosity.