2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (KJV)
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
We often think of the grace of God in terms of its benefit to ourselves.
- His grace in saving us
- His grace in providing for us
- His grace in empowering us
- Etc.
The grace of God Paul wants us to learn of here might not be so attractive. This grace:
- Was in the midst of trials and affliction and
- Was despite their deep poverty
The churches of Macedonia experienced no relief, so far as we can see, from these troubles and yet God moved upon them to give. Paul goes further to say this gift was not what he hoped for from them but went far beyond what could possibly have been expected.
When God moves his people to give beyond their reasonable means, that’s called grace.
The Macedonian churches had a compelling example because this is the very same grace that belonged to our Lord who, 2 Corinthians 8:9… though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
To my readers:
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2 Corinthians 8:1-2 The Grace of Giving
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