2 Corinthians 8:1–2: Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.
Afflicted. They were also “in a severe test of affliction” (v. 2). The literal idea is that they were being crushed by life. The surrounding culture kept squeezing them harder and harder because of the Macedonians’ devotion to Christ. Immense pressure! They were poor and picked on. The grinding poverty and the crushing tribulation made life very difficult—impossible by our standards.
Giving. But out of their difficult situation they did what most of us would consider impossible—“their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part” (v. 2). This is a truly incredible statement. In a parched existence, squalid little churches gushed forth with the joy of giving. The riches that welled over to others was not the small amount that the Macedonians could give but their joy in what God had done for them. It was the grace of giving. 1
Personal Application
- Read Luke 6:38. What should be our biblical understanding of financial giving?
Godly Encouragement
- And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit. –1 Thessalonians 1:6
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
Since we have received His grace, our giving should be measured by grace. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank You for teaching me that I am not an owner, but rather a steward, of everything that You have entrusted to me.
1. Hughes, R. K. (2006). 2 Corinthians: power in weakness. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
