Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 8
2 Corinthians 8:1-2 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
We can learn a lot about giving financially from the churches of Macedonia. These believers gave to missions. They helped the apostle Paul on his journeys and they gave to alleviate the suffering of the poor in Jerusalem. They were the recipients of the grace of God and that grace gift flowed through them to others. According the Bible here are some marks of a liberal or generous person.
First, they were in the midst of a great trial of affliction. The churches were under attack from the pagans and from the Jews. They were persecuted for their faith and marginalized in society. Yet, this did not stop them from being liberal (generous) when it came to money. It flowed freely from them and was directed by God to where it needed to be.
Second, they had an abundance of joy. These were truly Spirit-filled believers because they were overflowing with joy. Joy is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Bible says:
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
There were two things they had plenty of and it seems these two go together for Spirit-filled believers – afflictions and joy. Most of the time, people who are afflicted are not joyful, but the Holy Spirit gives us the joy of Christ in any and all circumstances. The one thing they did not have an abundance of was money.
Third, they had deep poverty. These were not wealthy believers who gave out of their abundance. They were poor people who gave like the widow out of their poverty. They were so poor and the gift was so generous that they had to beg Paul to take it.
2 Corinthians 8:4-5 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
How do we give in this way? We do as these Macedonian believers did and give ourselves to the Lord first and let him lead us in our giving. We look to the Lord Jesus and follow his example:
2 Corinthians 8:9 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.
Giving is a grace! It is an attitude of heart that is received from Christ and empowered by his Spirit.
2 Corinthians 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
In Christ,
Rody
