"We want you to know brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 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. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints- and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us." 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
How?
How in the world did they have an abundance of joy in the midst of a severe test of affliction? Most of us only need a touch of affliction in our lives to become severely cranky. The writer, Paul, begins by acknowledging that they experienced the grace of God. God's gift to them was the ability to give of themselves generously and joyfully even though they had very little. They lived out the truth, "It is more blessed to give than receive." Their affliction did not turn their eyes inward upon themselves in self-pity. They did not lament their circumstances, complain, or grumble. No, they overflowed with joy.
Why?
Paul tells us why. There was something the Macedonians did prior to all this that prepared them to live in such a God-glorifying way amidst affliction. "They gave themselves first to the Lord." Sound familiar? Then they gave themselves to others. Sound familiar? God first, others second, I'm third is the way we are meant to live. As we put God first the rest of our lives are put into proper place around that which is of primary importance. We must give ourselves to the Lord. Surrender to him first. Then seek to give ourselves away for the benefit of others. What will it look like today, this weekend, and beyond, to give abundantly, joyfully, and beyond your means?
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