“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own” -2 Corinthians 8:1-3
Every time I read this it is a stark reminder of a reality. We are told of two environmental conditions of these churches, in severe trial and in extreme poverty, each followed by an attitude that seems to contradict their situation. I love the strong language used to describe them, “overflowing joy” and “rich generosity.” These two things combined to the point that they gave “beyond their ability.” Do we have a faith strong enough to give beyond our ability? Do we have an overflowing joy that would prompt this?
I’ll also point out that this attitude is part of the gift of God’s grace. Not a gift that we wait patiently for, but a gift that is given to all believers that have a saving faith. However, as with all gifts, it is something that must be accepted. What is a gift if we do not accept it? It sits in a box and is no use to anyone.
