Cheerful Giving: By the Grace of God

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 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. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor[b] of taking part in the relief of the saints - 2 Corinthians 8: 1-4

In 2 Corinthians Chapters 8 - 10, Paul encourages the Corinthian church to prepare a gift for their fellow believers that are need. He starts off by giving them an example of the generosity that the Macedonian church was able to display.

The Grace to Give

Paul starts of his example, by giving God the glory for lavishing upon the Macedonian church a certain "grace" to give. God is the one that has stirred up their spirit and willingness to give under circumstances that are not necessarily conducive to generosity. According to human wisdom, it is impossible to imagine that the trials faced by the Macedonian church (extreme poverty and severe test of affliction) would result in a wealth of generosity and eagerness to give to the saints in Jerusalem. But this is precisely why God says that this is a God-given grace poured out on the Macedonian church.

So as the Macedonian church gives out of their poverty, God is glorified. But how?

First, God demonstrates to the Macedonian church his ability to supply all of their needs even in times of extreme poverty. He allows them a chance to grow in their trust of Him. He who feeds the birds of the air, and clothes the grass of the field is sufficient for all their needs as well.

Second, he demonstrates to the neighboring churches what Spirit empowered humility and and love looks like. It is a love that nullifies the natural tendency of the love of money and security, It is a humility, that echoes the very humility that Christ demonstrated when he left his heavenly abode and all its luxuries. The Macedonian church full embody the verses of Philippians 2:3,4

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3,4

Third, God demonstrates to the world what sort of community, and unity awaits them if they likewise join the body of Christ. The individuals of the Macedonian church probably had never met any other members of the believers in Jerusalem. Yet, through Christ they have come to the realization that they are fellow brothers and sisters and redeemed by the same Blood of Christ. It is a unity that transcends geographical, cultural and ethnic differences.

Through all these God is glorified, because in Him and through His Grace, though there may be poverty and severe tests of affliction there is also lavished a divine grace that brings an abundance of joy. Impossible? Yes. But through God and only through God, the impossible starts to look very probable.