Tuesday, May 24
The grace of generosity
Scripture: 2 Samuel 17-18, 2 Corinthians 8
2 Corinthians 8:1–5 We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia: 2 During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, 4 they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints, 5 and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will.
Observation
Paul cites the example of the Macedonian Christians’ generosity to inspire the Corinthians. Paul and his companions were collecting an offering to assist the suffering Christians in Jerusalem. The Macedonians who were suffering themselves (severe trial, affliction, extreme poverty) responded to this offering with abundant joy and a wealth of generosity. They gave more than they could afford, begged earnestly for the privilege of helping (imagine that!), and gave themselves first to the Lord. Remarkable! Paul attributes this to the grace of God (v. 1) and then in v. 7 encourages the Corinthians to excel in the grace of generosity.
Application
I want to live in the grace of generosity.
This grace enables us to be generous beyond our ability, generous in the midst of poverty or hardship. It’s easier to be generous when you have extra, harder when you don’t have enough—hence, we need God’s grace.
Think of the poor widow in Luke 21:1-4 who put 2 small coins in the offering—not much, especially compared to the large gifts of the wealthy—but it was all she had. She “put in more than all the others.” The grace of generosity enables that sacrifice, that joyful willingness to give all.
The grace of generosity applies not only to money, but to our time, energy, love, forgiveness and so much else (see Luke 6:27-38).
When I don’t have much left to give, ask God for the grace of generosity and lean in with abundant joy!
Prayer: Lord, I love this description of the grace of generosity. Give me this grace; give it to our church; give it to Christians everywhere. Let us be characterized by extravagant generosity.