Day Eight. Principle: Joy
Scripture:
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:1-2
Thoughts:
The Macedonians' poverty was due partly to harsh treatment from Roman conquerors. The Romans had exploited the rich natural resources of their land. Also, their poverty was due to a succession of civil wars on their soil before Augustus became emperor.
Out of their poverty they gave to Paul's Jerusalem relief fund, a collection to bring support to the impoverished mother church in Jerusalem. The Macedonians didn't give out of their plenty; they gave out of their poverty. Their joy welled up in rich generosity.
Consider 2 Corinthians 9:7 - Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
God loves it when people make a deliberate and thoughtful decision in their hearts to give. He desires for us to enjoy giving. His will is that we be joyful givers, not people who give because we feel pressured or pushed, but because we have freely made a joyful decision to give.
The Macedonians gave out of joy. Their hearts were so satisfied in the grace of God and so happy in the goodness of God that they were moved to give out of their poverty. This is not a legalistic act. This isn't giving out of pressure or guilt. This is an explosion of grace in the heart that overflows into the lives of others. God desires for us to give out of joy.
Reflection:
Have I ever given of my resources with great joy? Why did I enjoy giving so much? What would it take for me to enter into a deeper experience of cheerful giving?
Prayer:
Lord, You are a God of joy. You desire cheerful giving. Show me how to joyfully give to Your purposes. Create within me a heart that gives cheerfully. By Your grace, even when finances are tight and resources are shrinking, move my heart to give out of joy.
