This Grace of Giving

¹Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

² How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

³ For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

⁴ Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

⁵ And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

⁶ Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

⁷ Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. (II Corinthians 8:1-7, KJV) 

As we entered 2023, the uncertainty of our economy may have brought some feelings of anxiety and nerves. Some of us may even be feeling a bit overwhelmed by where we are in today’s economic climate. We read about an expected recession coming our way. We listen to talk shows and podcasts about inflation and how we should invest for our future. Some are experiencing unemployment or working more than one job. We see price increases at the grocery store and gas pumps. Others sit anxiously at home looking at budgets to see how they can stretch their paycheck to make it fit their needs and hopes for the future. 

This might be a small reflection of where the Macedonians were in chapter 8 of II Corinthians. Historically we see Macedonia was in crisis. Verse 2 says they were “in a great trial of affliction.” Commentaries describe Macedonia as in economic strain and great poverty. Many of us today can find it easy to relate to these financial pressures felt by the church family in Macedonia. Given the times, what would we do? What may be surprising is the response of the Macedonian church and the inspiration that comes from within Paul’s recount of this people’s hardship. 

This church was in deep financial turmoil but their giving was prompted by something unusual by most standards. Paul conveyed a motivation that was bigger than the Macedonians themselves. He explains that they gave themselves wholeheartedly to the Kingdom. The “financial” giving was just an overflow of what they felt was their purpose. The Macedonians gave because of their gratitude of what God was to them. You see, Paul wanted the church to grasp the “why” of giving when sharing this incredible story! The Macedonian church had a reason for its abundance of giving. Their giving was in response to the grace of God. Though they did not have a great abundance of wealth, the Macedonian church understood His grace was unmerited and given without reservation. Verses 1-4 show us the character of their hearts and their relationship with God. 

While we may find ourselves feeling anxious and overwhelmed in situations where we feel out of control, we should turn to passages such as this. Paul saw their hearts and sought to make them the example of giving. Paul desired for the Corinthians to understand the heart of giving and he used the Macedonian church as an illustration. As Paul shared the testimony of the Macedonian church and their circumstances, he wanted to model for the Corinthians what true giving looks like. True giving does not come out of the abundance of blessings in this story. No, it comes from an abundance of God’s grace.

Have you thought about why you give? Do you ever give in the offering because you feel pressured by who is watching? Maybe when the pledges and commitments are being taken you feel obligated. Perhaps some are motivated by an unconscious desire that God will “give back” and they really need that reciprocity. Yet, how much more does our giving mean to Him when we are motivated by a heart that is overflowing with the meaningful power of God’s grace? If we give to the Kingdom from a heart that understands God gave Himself for us and that His grace is unearned or deserved, how much more would we give? Regardless of the dollar amount or sacrifice, we can ensure that our giving heart is not for others to see or for what we could receive in return. As we look at the remainder of the year and all that may come our way this year, let us be reminded of God’s grace and allow our giving to flow from a grateful heart.