Beyond Their Means

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints – and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking among you. Now as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you – so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.

I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that through he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9

As the time for Christmas nears, the question will be what you do to help others less fortunate than you. How will you give, and what will you give? The Macedonian church was an example of generosity. They gave themselves first to the Lord, then to those helping the needy in Jerusalem.

Do you want a refreshing change this Christmas? Consider new ways to give yourself to the Lord and to those in need. It is a meaningful way to thank God for the gift of salvation, that only He could give to us.

Giving

is the true measure of love.

Our Daily Bread – November 28, 2005