2 Corinthians 8:2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
Today’s reading takes us to the book of 2 Corinthians, written by Paul who referred to the Macedonians at this point in his letter. Macedonia, a region that covered a large area including northern Greece including Philippi, Beria, and Thessaloniki, was one of the first provinces to which Paul traveled after leaving Asia. Macedonia is mentioned at least 28 different times in the New Testament, which shows us just how important this region was to Paul. His first European convert was Lydia in Philippi.
In this verse we see that though the Macedonians did not have much, their joy was so strong that they did everything they could to continue giving. These people faced extreme persecution and were ostracized for their belief in Christ yet their joy was overflowing. Their joy was so abundant that they gave most, if not all, of what they had, trusting in God to provide.
Paul mentioned these Christians in his letter to the Corinthians to help them see how they should be living, or at least how they should give – pointing out their generosity. Though the majority were poor, there were still a few who had some wealth, such as Lydia (1 Corinthians 1:26-28). But the Macedonians were an example for others and serve as an example to us today. We should be just as generous as these Christians or as generous as the woman who gave everything she had, which Jesus pointed out to His disciples (Mark 12:44).
The takeaway? No matter how bad we think something is in our life, there is always someone who is worse off. We can offer something to others despite our own trials because we have grace and joy overflowing from within us. We may not be able to offer much, but something is always better than nothing. I encourage you to ask yourself what YOU can give.
Be the first to comment