September 20, 2023
Passage Read: 2 Corinthians 8-9
Meditation Verses: 8:2-4
Thought
The Macedonians understood that supporting the saints in Jerusalem was a huge honor and privilege. So much so that they didn't let their own trials or poverty limit their giving; they gladly gave beyond their ability. They begged Paul for the honor of sharing with the saints in Jerusalem. They were not concerned about the things of this world; they happily gave up their own things in order to meet needs among the saints in Jerusalem. They also understood that they owed an unpayable debt of gratitude to those who were in Christ first and shared their faith outward, that it might eventually reach them.
Application
Giving is far better than keeping for myself. Earthly treasure has little value unless it can be converted to heavenly currency, and that happens by giving to believers in need or giving to advance the kingdom of God. I don't need much to live on; I need to pay off debt. But beyond that I should be eager to give to the needs of brothers or the kingdom; I should be begging to give, in spite of or because of my own difficult circumstances. After all, it's not the sharing of excess that really counts, but the sharing of what is needed for myself that is precious in God's sight. He honors the widow's pennies over the huge gifts of the rich.