SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 8
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. [2 Corinthians 8:1-4]
Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” [Mark 12:42-44]
I love these next two chapters, I love how they address giving not as a command or obligation, but as the overflow of God’s kindness in and through us.
Though we practice the discipline of tithing (giving 10%), I do not see this as a new covenant command; it was an old testament law that has new testament applications, but it is not the Law of Christ!
Paul nowhere commands tithing in his two chapters on giving, but he does encourage the overflow of generosity.
I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. [2 Corinthians 8:7]
This is what I desire, to excel in this gracious act of giving.
The rich overflow of generosity.
How I give (and live and love) says a lot about how I appreciate God’s gift to me – or don’t.
Jesus saw this widow giving 100% of herself; Paul saw the Macedonian believers going way beyond what was expected from suffering believers.
Zacchaeus gave way more back than the Law of Moses required.
The sinful woman that anointed Jesus’ feet made a huge sacrificed, because as Jesus noted – she who was forgiven much loved much [Luke 7:47]
What does my generosity level say about my heart, my gratitude?
PRAYER:
Lord, help me not to pass over this last question without thinking very deeply about it – what does my generosity level say about my heart, my gratitude?
In order to give, really give, one must have given him/herself to the Lord. Then in their faith they are able to freely give in faith, in speech and in doing. We are rich in Christ Jesus and that we must freely share. As His people we must have the willingness to share so all the people will not have too much or too little. Since God blessed us we too need to be a blessing to others.
As with the money part – what does my check book say about my Christian life. It will certainly show where my priorities lie.
Help me each day Lord to have an attitude of gratitude with altitude. Help me this day to serve You with the resources You have so freely given.
All that I am I owe to Thee,
Thy wisdom, Lord, has fashioned me;
I give my Maker thankful praise,
Whose wondrous works my soul amaze.
Ere into being I was brought,
Thine eye did see, and in Thy thought
My life in all its perfect plan
Was ordered ere my days began.
Thy thoughts, O God, how manifold,
More precious unto me than gold!
I muse on their infinity,
Awaking I am still with Thee.
The wicked Thou shalt surely slay,
From me let sinners turn away;
They speak against the Name divine,
I count God’s enemies as mine.
Search me, O God, my heart discern,
Try me, my inmost thought to learn;
And lead me, if in sin I stray,
To choose the everlasting way.