“Moreover,
brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of
Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and
their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear
witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they
were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the
gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.” (2Corinthians
8:1-4 NKJ)
brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of
Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and
their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear
witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they
were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the
gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.” (2Corinthians
8:1-4 NKJ)
As I read Paul’s
account of the offerings received among the churches in Macedonia, I am struck
by his expressions and the concepts included in this teaching on generosity.
His example of the Macedonian believers, who gave to the Jerusalem relief campaign, is a tremendous statement of faith
and generosity.
account of the offerings received among the churches in Macedonia, I am struck
by his expressions and the concepts included in this teaching on generosity.
His example of the Macedonian believers, who gave to the Jerusalem relief campaign, is a tremendous statement of faith
and generosity.
I am struck by the
fact that generosity should not be determined by trials, afflictions or
poverty. How many times have I heard hardship, illness and poverty excuses
after preaching on biblical stewardship or encouraging believers to participate
in a missions campaign.
fact that generosity should not be determined by trials, afflictions or
poverty. How many times have I heard hardship, illness and poverty excuses
after preaching on biblical stewardship or encouraging believers to participate
in a missions campaign.
I do not believe in
placing unrealistic expectations on people, yet Paul’s point of overflowing
liberality cannot be ignored. What a marvelous concept: overflowing liberality
despite one’s financial ability. What a statement of faith! Believe God and give
liberally knowing that his provision will overflow for those who give out of
faith rather than ability.
placing unrealistic expectations on people, yet Paul’s point of overflowing
liberality cannot be ignored. What a marvelous concept: overflowing liberality
despite one’s financial ability. What a statement of faith! Believe God and give
liberally knowing that his provision will overflow for those who give out of
faith rather than ability.
Every time I go to
Africa and see the poverty, I am overwhelmed in the worship services as believers
are invited to give an offering. Their exuberant joy is electrifying. And I am
amazed as they bring their offerings and place them on the altar before God.
Many times the offering plates and table overflows. I am reduced to tears every
time.
Africa and see the poverty, I am overwhelmed in the worship services as believers
are invited to give an offering. Their exuberant joy is electrifying. And I am
amazed as they bring their offerings and place them on the altar before God.
Many times the offering plates and table overflows. I am reduced to tears every
time.
Like Paul with the
Macedonians, I am blessed by the African believers’ desire to give so freely,
with such joyful abandon. Looking at the African believers, I can identify with
Paul’s assessment of the Macedonian believers, because as they give, one gets
the idea quickly that they are giving out of ability but with a desire to give more if more were possible.
Macedonians, I am blessed by the African believers’ desire to give so freely,
with such joyful abandon. Looking at the African believers, I can identify with
Paul’s assessment of the Macedonian believers, because as they give, one gets
the idea quickly that they are giving out of ability but with a desire to give more if more were possible.
Dear Father, thank
you for giving with such overflowing liberality. Enable me to follow your
example. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for giving with such overflowing liberality. Enable me to follow your
example. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Share in the
fellowship of generosity today,
fellowship of generosity today,