A call to generous giving (NLT)
‘Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.
They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. Since you excel in so many ways – in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us – I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.’
When you hear or read the first few verses that Paul has written, are you struck by the amazement and wonder shown through those words? At this time the members of the church in Macedonia were persecuted and vilified for their audacity to declare themselves as Christians, a people who openly confessed themselves as followers of a risen Lord. They lived in a country that had reasonable wealth, and as citizens of Macedonia they could have lived quite comfortably. Yet because of their beliefs they lived in poverty.
Paul was absolutely blown away that even though the Macedonian Christians lived a ‘hand to mouth’ existence, this did not stop them giving away more than they could afford to give. In fact, they actually insisted that this happened. They demonstrated a true example of sacrificial generosity, something that the Corinthians could and should have done. Why? Because the Macedonians’ faith and trust in God enabled them to fully understand that if they gave the very best of themselves, then he, God, would support and look after them.
This wasn’t just ‘Here’s our money, it’s all we have, now leave us alone’; this was ‘Here’s our contribution to the church – but what else can we do to help you?’ Or, using Paul’s own words,
‘they begged us eagerly to let them have the privilege of sharing in the work of service for God’s people’.
Paul saw that the Macedonians were truly devoted to God and that they were willing to give and use all that they had and all of who they were to help those who needed it, regardless of the fact that they were probably in need themselves. These are circumstances that possibly resonate with us or people we know, just now. So when the Corinthians needed to be given an example of why it was important to give, Paul told the story of the Macedonians, and he praised and thanked God for their continued depth of faith, trust and love for all.
While we recognise that we do need to support our church with our money so that it can carry out the mission where we are, we also need to understand that it’s at those times when we honour God first and let him use all of who we are, that can make the biggest impact in someone else’s life. You know, the time we spend with people using the skills and abilities that he has blessed us with – sitting at a table in the café and listening to a friend or stranger’s concerns; washing up for lunch club; or making up food parcels – these times of generosity honour God.
Maybe now is the time to have a conversation with a church leader to ask the question, ‘How can I give to this faith community?’ Or to take a look around and consider, ‘What can I offer?’
Let’s show our thankfulness and praise to God so that we can be the most generous givers that God wants us to be.
REFLECTION
Invite members to join in a time of prayer and reflection. Play the song SASB 623 ‘Take my life and let it be’.
Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous.
Teach me to serve as you deserve,
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to heed the wounds,
To labour and not to seek for rest,
To give of myself and not ask for a reward,
Except the reward of knowing that I am doing your will. AMEN.
St Ignatius of Loyola
