1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. 6So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
REFLECTION
- Living in a materialistic society, we can easily become dominated by a spirit of acquisition – of getting and storing and then guarding what we’ve gotten and stored. The biblical practice of giving is an offering of a portion of the fruits of our labour to God. The offering is based upon the conviction that we would have gotten nothing from all our sweat and exertion if God hadn’t first given us the ground to use, the muscles to work, a brain to think, and a community to live and be employed in. Everything comes to us as a gift from God. Sunshine and rain. Fruitfulness and fertility. Strength and health. They are all from God. Our offering is an acknowledgment of that. It’s a way of honouring him and giving thanks to him.
- How is your giving? Do you always give with a thankful heart?
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv1-5 only.)
Discuss: What did Paul say about the Macedonian Christians? What was their economic situation? How did they think/feel when they helped the famine refugees in Jerusalem? How can you give “as much as you are able, and even beyond your ability”? Ask each person to consider giving up one item of his/her own and donate it to someone in need, or start a Food or Toy Drive at church or school.
Proverbs for Today 20:5-7
5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
but a faithful man who can find?
7 The righteous who walks in his integrity—
blessed are his children after him!