2 Corinthians 8:1-5 "And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us."
At the time of this writing some prophets came down from Jerusalem and 1 stood proclaiming that a severe famine would spread over the Roman world. The disciples decided that they would do their part to help the brothers and sisters in Christ living in Judea and they did so. They sent their gifts to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.
In this scripture Paul is referencing those generous gifts saying that the Macedonians gave as they were able and even above and beyond their ability. If you read further you will see that in verses 10-11 it says that the Corinthians were among the first to give. They had made pledges to help in this time of need; however, they hadn't followed through, so Paul was having to remind them to follow through with their commitments.
I want to focus in on Paul's comment that they gave even beyond their ability. How do you give beyond your ability? How do you give more than God has already provided you with? These people were generous, they gave out of an open hand and did not hold tightly to anything they had. They were unselfish and were burdened by the needs of these people. Notice that it says that they gave out of extreme poverty. Quite often it is the people that have little who give the most. Think about the widow in 1 Kings 17 who had only enough oil and flour for her and her son or in 2 Kings 4 where the woman's sons were going to be sold. She only had a little oil left but willingly gave it and God filled all the jars she was able to borrow. God loves to meet the needs of his children. At times He'll bless His own if He knows that they will turn around and use it to help others which was probably the case of the Macedonian churches. God provided for them so they could give above and beyond their ability.
These Believers gave from their hearts with a joyful spirit, which literally means they were hilarious. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that God loves a cheerful heart. God loves those who hilariously give without reluctance. When we have the attitude that everything belongs to God then our perspective changes from mine to His and it makes giving more of a joyful event. What is your attitude towards giving?
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Personalize this prayer.
Dear Lord,
You willingly gave so that I could have a relationship with God and I'm so very grateful. Your generous example prompts me to want to give back. Help me to not only to give generously but to give willingly and with a cheerful spirit. Open my hands and help me to see where there are opportunities to make a difference. Show me where the needs lie. This world is always pulling for my attention but please Lord keep turning my eyes back to You. I know that You've blessed me so that I can bless others and I sincerely want to. May Your will be done in and through me.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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