THE JOY OF GENEROSITY
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NIV)
Today, let’s experience the joy that comes from giving. God, the giver of all grace, desires to fill us with joy so that it might overflow through us as we care for others.
In today’s passage, Paul highlights the generosity of the Macedonian churches. Even though they were experiencing extreme poverty and trials of many kinds, they gave liberally and sacrificially. However, notice also that they did not give merely out of obligation. They were eager. They pleaded for the privilege to participate in supporting fellow believers and the work of the church. They gave not only according to their ability but even beyond it. Paul emphasizes that this generous spirit came from their wholehearted devotion to God. Paul uses this example to encourage the Corinthians, and us, to adopt the same attitude of sacrificial generosity. And as a result, they were filled with gratitude and joy. As Jesus teaches us, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35b (NIV)
May we be like the church in Corinth, which entered into the joy of God as they gave.
APPLICATION: Today, seek the joy of God. Look for opportunities to give—offering your time, sending an encouraging message, or helping someone move. No act of generosity is ever wasted, because it draws us closer to God and fills us with joy.
PRAYER: Lord, lift my eyes above my circumstances, and create in me a desire to be generous in all things. Help me give with a joyful heart, knowing that I reflect Your love in giving. Show me ways to bless others and remind me that everything I have is a gift from You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?