Generosity
Shared by Pastor Robert Hern, Jr. of Victory Pioneer, Metro Manila, Philippines.
“Money is a great tool but a harsh master.”
1And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you# —see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:1-7, NIV)
2 Corinthians 8:1 — Apostle Paul reminding the Church of Corinth using the example of the Macedonian Church.
Macedonian Church — Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea
What example of Geberosity can we learn from the Macedonian churches?
Question for the Self: Lord, am I generous or not?
LESSON 1: They gave out of severe trial.
2 Corinthians 8:2
2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
Most severe trial — In much testing of troubles.
“In the face of severe trials, they still gave.”
“Being generous is not based on your circumstance.”
LESSON 2: They gave out of overflowing joy.
2 Corinthians 8:2
2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
LESSON 3: They gave out of extreme poverty.
2 Corinthians 8:2
2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:2 (NLT) — They are very poor.
“Your financial status should not dictate your generosity.”
LESSON 4: They gave beyond their ability.
2 Corinthians 8:3
3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
Mark 12:41-44
41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
2 Corinthians 8:4-5 (ESV)
4begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
2 Corinthians 8:4-5 (ESV)
4begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
2 Corinthians 8:7
7But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
Email me when AJ Briones publishes or recommends stories