JOYOUS GENEROSITY
Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of
Macedonia. In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joyG5479 and deep poverty
overflowed into rich generosity. For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even
beyond it. Of their own accord, they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this
service to the saints. And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to
the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
8:1 grace of God. The generosity of the churches of Macedonia was motivated by God’s grace. Paul did not merely commend those churches for a noble human work, but instead gave the credit to God for what He did through them. churches of Macedonia. Macedonia was the northern Roman province of Greece. Paul’s reference was to the churches at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea (cf. Acts 17:11). This was basically an impoverished province that had been ravaged by many wars and even then was being plundered by Roman authority and commerce. (52)
MacArthur Study Bible
The Churches of Macedonia did not allow their circumstances to dictate the measure of their generosity. What enabled them to be generous despite their own poverty and affliction was their abundance of joy. In fact, they begged Paul to allow them to send a gift to the needy saints of Jerusalem.
Due to the joy of our salvation, we can still minister, trusting the Lord in the midst of our own needs. The desire to minister should be the overarching consideration, even greater than our requirements, so much so that our focus should not be on our own need. We should seek out others in need of ministry while we expectantly await the Lord’s provision of our basics. When we focus on our own problems, it can be paralyzing and give us tunnel vision, taking us off of God’s course for our lives. When we seek to bless others, we increase both their joy and our own. Precious Jewels Ministries, Inc. once received a small donation, under twenty dollars, from a dear Christian widow. Her life of joy has been a blessing to Susie and her family for many years. Her gift was large since she is on a fixed income. Susie knows it was motivated by love and the joy of knowing her Lord. Perhaps, the joy-filled, encouraging demeanor she demonstrates consistently is a result of blessing others. She thinks first of others’ needs before considering her own.
Do you have a problem or need right now? Trust in the Lord to care for you and allow Him to care for others through you. Generosity brings joy not only to the recipient but also to the giver.
Father, help us to give from an abundance of joy even when we are in need ourselves. We have seen You bless us many times through the generosity of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us to be able to bless others!
Worship with Marshall Hall and the Gaither Vocal Band joined by Ernie Haas and Signature Sound singing “Give it Away”: