True Generosity!

This time of year has been said to be the “Season of Giving.” Jesus was quoted by Paul as saying it’s “more blessed to give than to receive.” ( Acts 20:35) I recently came across a statement which read, “When the heart is converted, the purse will be inverted.” This reminded me of the spirit of the Macedonians who were complimented by Paul for their WILLINGNESS to give. The Christians in the region of Macedonia were an impoverished people, but that did not dampen their spirit of generosity.

As Paul encouraged the generosity of the Corinthians, he wrote…
“(1) We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, (2) 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. (3) For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their OWN FREE WILL, (4) begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints -- (5) 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)

These Christians had a heart that was fully converted. In view of having given themselves first to the Lord, they appear to have acknowledged they were merely stewards of their possession and desired to use them in service to the glory of God.

Some give out of their abundance while others give out of their poverty. ( Mark 12:41-44) Jesus’ compliment of the poor widow’s giving seems to reveal the amount given has less to do with generosity than the spirit in which the giving is done. God has never expected us to give what we do not have. ( 2 Corinthians 8:12) And regardless of the amount it is the ready HEART that pleases Him. God loves a cheerful giver. ( 2 Corinthians 9:7) If we can’t give cheerfully, perhaps it is because we have not yet really given ourselves to the Lord. May we always bear in mind the place where our WILLINGNESS to give begins!

Have a great day ACQUIRING THE WEALTH OF GENEROSITY!
Carl

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