2 Corinthians 8:1–5 (ESV) —
1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
NOTE: Why does Paul include this in his note to the Corinthians? Well, certainly the Corinthians were a part of the same giving project for the poor in Jerusalem and he wanted to tell them how well it was going. I think we learn something about Paul's view of giving, again the tithe is never mentioned in a positive way in the NT, giving does not have percentages. Yes, some give out of their means (whatever that might mean), but some really give above and beyond their means. Paul's explanation is "God's grace." When we give, we are the visible expression of God's grace in our life. I think a lack of giving shows a lack of grace. Everything I have is really the Lord's. It is not mine, but his. I'm really not giving since he owns it. But if I don't give, then I am being selfish with God's resources.
PONDER:
- What does my giving life look like?
- Do I give and seek to increase my giving regularly?
- Or do I only give a certain percentage, and only increase my giving by the percentage of my latest increase in salary?
PRAYER: Father, I thank you for the grace you have bestowed on my family and for the understanding of giving that we have. I feel blessed to give, and to be a major part of many missionary and children's lives. Continue to use us in a positive way for the kingdom's sake.
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