Sacrificial Joy

2 Corinthians 8:2-7

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. (2 Cor. 8:2)

 

PAUL USED THE FAITHFULNESS of the Christians in the northern region of Macedon to motivate the Christians in the southern region in Corinth. The Corinthians lived in a wealthy city, so they had the means to give generously. The Macedonians were not as wealthy, so their offerings were given above and beyond their means. They were joyful givers because they had devoted themselves fully to Christ and gave for the glory of God. The apostles did not ask the Macedonians to give, perhaps because they knew they could not afford it. Sacrifice was their initiative. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to do the same. He asked them to excel in their faith, speech, wisdom, love, and giving. Whom do you want to be more like; the Macedonians or the Corinthians? How would you like to have the joy the Macedonians had? You can by placing all you are and all that you have into God's hands. Just as a potter sculpts the clay in his hands, God uses what He holds. If your possessions belong to you alone, they cannot have eternal value. But if you trust your possessions and riches to God, you can have overflowing joy.

 

Angela Vardaman

 

This week, choose to make a generous gift to God.