The Daily Fountain Devotional Saturday, August 20, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Saturday, August 20, 2022
Saturday, August 20, 2022
TOPIC: WILLINGNESS IN GIVING
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Saturday, August 20, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
This letter is a follow-up to the first written to the Corinthians as regards the Judean famine relief contribution of 1 Cor. 16:1-3. Here Paul seeks to finalise preparation for the Corinthian church to make a contribution for the poor among the Saints in Jerusalem. He mentioned the churches in Macedonia which are Thessalonica, Philippi and Berea who were passing through a terrible time of persecution and poverty. But despite the severity of their poverty, the Christians there exhibited unexpected joy and generosity. In the midst of terrible trials and deep poverty, they gave liberally; they gave beyond their ability, willingly! The Macedonians were not motivated by clever offering appeals, but drowned in the joy of giving to relieve the poverty of others while they themselves were utterly poor.
Amazing! They did not want to be left out in sharing in the service of the saints and being a blessing to others.
Today, as Christians, we should understand the grace of God in us and should be ready and willing to give to people as well as the work of mission. Paul pointed to the example of Christ himself in verse 9 and expects us to understand the fact that the need for mission is an unending call.
Prayer: Lord, please teach us what genuine sacrifice is so that we may become like you through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.