1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 [ESV]
I was convicted in my reading today as Paul recounts the churches in Macedonia (Thessalonica, Philippi, and probably Beroea) to the Corinthians as churches who were embroiled in persecution (to both the apostolic team and to the new converts). The conviction comes from what Paul says about the Macedonian church’s response out of their extreme poverty. It was out of their joy that their giving overflowed in a wealth of liberality. The Macedonian Christians know the joy of being the recipients of God’s free giving, and that joy, they gave freely.
Because of their situation, what the churches gave was probably quite a small amount, but measured against their extreme poverty it represented a wealth of liberal giving.
Application:
I feel like I have not only been given so much in the Son of God, but God has also given me so much here on earth. Do I give in proportion to what I receive? Not by any stretch of the imagination when compared to the churches of Macedonia. Lord God, please forgive me for not giving more and help me to be open handed out of the joy in of the wealth I have been giving in eternal security.