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.”
Paul is making an example of the Christians in Macedonia and how they gave so much, while experiencing trials and poverty . . . because they gave themselves to the Lord first. Churches were in great need and were suffering greatly from persecution, and Paul is inviting the Corinthians to give. An invitation to give bountifully, joyfully, and beyond their ability, not a mandate. Joy is the anchor of Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians.
The conversation of giving is uncomfortable for many. We work hard for a paycheck and some weeks it can be challenging to afford food and housing, let alone give away a portion of our money. Giving. We too are invited to give to support the ministry of the church. It is an act of worship, and it shows gratitude for God’s provision. Our first daily activity should be to give ourselves to God. Are you ready to experience persistent joy? Being joyfully generous demonstrates the genuineness of our faith as we follow the pattern of our generous God. God intends that our generosity flow out of a heart of joy.
Have you given yourself to the Lord? Get ready for a JOYRIDE as you live from a place of God being first in your life and giving to him – chasing joy.
“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.”
Paul is making an example of the Christians in Macedonia and how they gave so much, while experiencing trials and poverty . . . because they gave themselves to the Lord first. Churches were in great need and were suffering greatly from persecution, and Paul is inviting the Corinthians to give. An invitation to give bountifully, joyfully, and beyond their ability, not a mandate. Joy is the anchor of Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians.
The conversation of giving is uncomfortable for many. We work hard for a paycheck and some weeks it can be challenging to afford food and housing, let alone give away a portion of our money. Giving. We too are invited to give to support the ministry of the church. It is an act of worship, and it shows gratitude for God’s provision. Our first daily activity should be to give ourselves to God. Are you ready to experience persistent joy? Being joyfully generous demonstrates the genuineness of our faith as we follow the pattern of our generous God. God intends that our generosity flow out of a heart of joy.
Have you given yourself to the Lord? Get ready for a JOYRIDE as you live from a place of God being first in your life and giving to him – chasing joy.