Day Nine. Principle: Sacrifice
Scripture:
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. 2 Corinthians 8:3a
Thoughts:
They gave as much as they could reasonably and possibly give and then gave some more. Maybe they had a vision of what could be— the poor being fed in Jerusalem and the unity of the church. They gave as much as they could possibly give.
This verse calls to mind the story of the widow's mite.
"Sitting across from the offering box, he (Jesus) was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, 'The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put in together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all.'"(Mark 12 from The Message)
That's sacrifice! In our Realizing the Vision campaign, we are asking for equal sacrifice, not equal giving. The size of the gift is not as important as the size of the sacrifice.
Reflection:
What would a sacrifice look like for me? What could I give up in order to give more generously?
Prayer:
God of sacrifice, the Macedonians gave more than they were able and the widow gave all she had. Was that wise? Wasn't that a little reckless? What moved them to give like that? Did You take care of their needs? Guide me into sacrificial giving. Whatever You did in them to move them to give like that, do it in me!
