Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (day six)
2 Corinthians 8 teaches us very important lessons on giving. Have you ever given any thought as to why we don’t give? What keeps us from giving of our time, energy, and resources? It’s a worthwhile question. The Macedonians gave, not out of their abundance, but out of their poverty. In other words, they gave of what little they had not knowing where their next meal would come from. I don’t give like that. One, God has tremendously blessed my family; we are not poor. Two, we give regularly, but it is always out of excess; it never hurts to give.
Paul didn’t make that a requirement of course. He wasn’t expecting the Corinthians to unwisely put themselves in a financial bind, nor us, but I do think he wants us to see that whenever we give, we are always giving out of abundance. The Macedonians gave because they knew that although they were poor financially, they had been made rich in grace through Jesus, and therefore were eager to give of what they had to meet the needs of others.
You are rich! So give.
Thanks for the blog. We live in a society that makes giving possible. I know of people who give generously because they believe in the value of giving to help build a better community and society. Society is more in harmony where inequity is minimized. Some folks work hard to earn money so they can give. Generally, we feel good when we can help others!
We give to fulfil a mission or a cause we care deeply in our hearts. We give because we care! As believers, we care deeply about the mission of Jesus, we give so the mission can continue and be thrive for the benefits of mankind. We give because God GAVE us first. Many folks gave out of abundance but many also gave out of love and personal sacrifices.
When folks make giving out of love and mission-driven, not out of abundance, I consider it sacrificial giving. They share what they have to help those they believe are struggling and have no way to get out of those difficult circumstances. They believe giving is a humanitarian act. They give sacrificially so others can have. They may sacrifice their own needs so others can meet their basic needs. I have seen most givings are sacrificial! Our American society makes giving possible, not out of moral obligations but love for others! So we give and share when we can.
Giving is more meaningful when we are not pressured into doing it but rather we feel a compelling reason to give for a cause that is worthy and for a cause that is bigger than ourselves. I believe the Macedonians were not pressured into giving. They gave willingly. Pray hard and ask God to lead you with your sacrificial giving. You will not be disappointed! I asked God to guide and to lead me each time as mine is sacrificial, not out of abundance!!
Give more when you have in abundance! Giving and sharing with others are great personal and professional attributes. The surroundings are better off because God gave and because we all give! Let’s do together for God’s glory!
Good read!
10 Essential Truths about Christian Giving – Topical Studies
http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/christian-giving-11636283.html