God’s kind of giving does not come naturally.
It is a gift of grace to those who first give themselves to God. The apostle Paul described the effect of God’s grace that received by the Macedonian church.
“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4 NASB)
They gave themselves to the Lord who directed them according to His will, and the desires of their heart. The Macedonians were graciously privileged to serve through giving to the needs of others. Why are we not more like the Macedonians? Has God’s will changed? Is He withholding this gift of grace from us, or have we not given ourselves completely to His will?
“For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality— at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality; as it is written, (Exodus 16:18) “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack.”” (2 Corinthians 8:12-15 NASB)
Lots of need out there. Are we holding out? Saving for a rainy day? Forget it. Let God know our trust is in Him, and the Holy Spirit will direct our way.
His Family Table 