Daily Devotional for Monday, October 19
The Macedonians’ Example of Giving
“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality,” 2 Corinthians 8:1, 2.
Stinginess is very much part of human nature. The opposite of stinginess is giving about which there are many Scriptures on this topic. Being generous should be part of your Christian walk. Jesus, while teaching His disciples said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). This is a promise you have from the Lord. One reason you may not give as you should is fear. You fear not having enough, which in all honesty is a lack of trust.
Paul was commending the churches of Macedonia for their giving. They were not only poor and sometimes in need, but also they were going through great trials, yet, that did not stop them from giving to others. Paul was admonishing the Corinthians to do the same. He was not stating a commandment to give for they were no longer under the Law to tithe. Yet, throughout the New Testament in Jesus’ teachings you see how important it is. Giving is a way in which you show how much you love the Lord.
If you love and truly trust that God will take care of you, you will be a generous person. As God gives grace in other areas such as faith, utterance, knowledge and diligence; He will give you grace also to give. It is easy to give money when you have it. However, the kind of giving that pleases God and that He will reward is sacrificial giving.
Something to Think About
Do you have a willing heart and mind to give above and beyond?
If not, ask the Lord for His grace to do so.
Karry Irizarry