Joyful & Willing Givers
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 1 And now, brothers, we
want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and
their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For
I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their
ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded
with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And 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.
The
early church in Macedonia demonstrated many aspects of fine Christian
stewardship, which Paul recognized and held up as an example for others to
follow. First, Paul acknowledges that
the spirit of giving is only possible through God-given grace, as we humans
have the tendency to cling to earthly possessions, particularly when we feel
weak or threatened. The Macedonians responded to their own poverty by giving,
rather than following the natural instinct to grasp tightly to what little
riches they had. Somehow, these early Christians experienced “overflowing joy”
even as they were being persecuted for their love of Christ, and were living in
“extreme poverty.” It was through the gift of grace that they found the
strength to reach out to others in need, instead of dwelling on their own
misfortune. The people of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Guatemala exhibited such
generosity, when they made contributions to the Hurricane Katrina Disaster
Relief Fund even though they were in great need after experiencing natural
disasters of their own. Like the story of the widow’s mite, they gave small
sums that represented a large sacrifice.
A
second aspect of Christian stewardship that Paul acknowledges is that the
Macedonians gave “entirely on their own” ….”for the privilege of sharing in
this service to the saints”. They were
not forced or shamed into service, but they did so willingly and joyfully. This
selflessness is only possible through God’s grace, as it defies human
nature. The members of the early church
“gave themselves first to the Lord” which allowed them to overcome the world’s
grasp on their very nature, and become the generous and joyful people God
wanted them to be.
Lord, work through us,
that we might become faithful, welcoming and generous like the early church in
Macedonia. Help us to let go when we cling to the things that we should share
with others. Amen.
Susan
Ardito