“For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they (churches of Macedonia) gave of their own accord.” (v. 3)
Here Paul is speaking about the poor churches in Macedonia who were contributing to the work of the ministry according to their ability and in some cases beyond. Their generosity is even more remarkable when we realize that the entire Macedonia region had suffered economically from political turmoil and decreased trade.
Here Paul is speaking about the poor churches in Macedonia who were contributing to the work of the ministry according to their ability and in some cases beyond. Their generosity is even more remarkable when we realize that the entire Macedonia region had suffered economically from political turmoil and decreased trade.
In stark contrast, the wealthy Corinthians here in chapter 8 had made an initial commitment toward the Jerusalem collection, but had failed to follow through. So Paul relates to them the record of the Macedonian churches and entrusts Titus with the responsibility of exhorting them in this regard (vv.6-7).
Speaking on the subject of money and exhorting others to give to the work of the ministry is easier for some than it is for others. Some have made this their life's calling from the pulpit, making the flock feel guilty for not giving more to the LORD. While others only mention it when they happen to come across it in scripture. Paul’s encouragement here to the wealthy of Corinth was to simply, follow through with their word, their commitment, as the other churches had done. No dollar amount, no percentage, nor financial goal - just encouragement to give of their own accord.
Jesus is our best example here when it comes to giving. He said in Matthew 10, “Freely you have received, freely give” (v.8). And again in Luke’s gospel when He saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins into the temple treasury He said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:1-4).
Giving comes from the heart, not from the head. The poor widow and the Macedonians showed that poverty doesn't preclude generosity. Giving, according to our ability, enables us to participate in something greater than ourselves. Through our financial gifts, we're able to participate in supporting ministries around the world, our own local churches, missionaries, pastors, widows, orphans, military families, the homeless, and the list goes on. Our giving is not just limited to financial gifts either. It can also include, our time, our presence, talents, service and prayers.
Therefore, give what you can from a cheerful heart and the LORD will multiply it one hundred times over, for you can never out give God.
The Truth: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Speaking on the subject of money and exhorting others to give to the work of the ministry is easier for some than it is for others. Some have made this their life's calling from the pulpit, making the flock feel guilty for not giving more to the LORD. While others only mention it when they happen to come across it in scripture. Paul’s encouragement here to the wealthy of Corinth was to simply, follow through with their word, their commitment, as the other churches had done. No dollar amount, no percentage, nor financial goal - just encouragement to give of their own accord.
Jesus is our best example here when it comes to giving. He said in Matthew 10, “Freely you have received, freely give” (v.8). And again in Luke’s gospel when He saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins into the temple treasury He said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:1-4).
Giving comes from the heart, not from the head. The poor widow and the Macedonians showed that poverty doesn't preclude generosity. Giving, according to our ability, enables us to participate in something greater than ourselves. Through our financial gifts, we're able to participate in supporting ministries around the world, our own local churches, missionaries, pastors, widows, orphans, military families, the homeless, and the list goes on. Our giving is not just limited to financial gifts either. It can also include, our time, our presence, talents, service and prayers.
Therefore, give what you can from a cheerful heart and the LORD will multiply it one hundred times over, for you can never out give God.
The Truth: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
