2 Corinthians 8:1-5 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 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. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints-- and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
Isn't it interesting that Paul said they were under "a severe test of affliction", and yet they had an abundance of joy even in their extreme poverty? What was the result? It all overflowed in a wealth of generosity. So much so that they begged to give. When is the last time you begged to give to someone in need, or you begged to give in the offering plate?
How should we give to those in need? Not as you might expect. Instead of deciding how much you can afford to give, do what the Macedonians did. First, give yourself to the Lord. And then give as He directs you. Give yourself to those in need “by the will of God”.
Isn't it interesting that Paul said they were under "a severe test of affliction", and yet they had an abundance of joy even in their extreme poverty? What was the result? It all overflowed in a wealth of generosity. So much so that they begged to give. When is the last time you begged to give to someone in need, or you begged to give in the offering plate?
How should we give to those in need? Not as you might expect. Instead of deciding how much you can afford to give, do what the Macedonians did. First, give yourself to the Lord. And then give as He directs you. Give yourself to those in need “by the will of God”.