Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves.
2 Corinthians 8:3 KJV
There will always be a time when we see someone who is in need.
Depending on our circumstances there is only so much any of us can do.
What we all have to remember is that it is not how much we give, but if we are giving from the heart.
In this passage the apostle is reminding us that the grace and favor of God must be owned by all of us.
How it is the root and foundation of all that is good in us.
One that must be manifested at all times.
That is what we see the Christians in Macedonia doing.
They were a first century church in Jerusalem.
A church that was experiencing a great financial need.
Despite their need, they gave out of their poverty.
They were giving more than they could afford.
But this was not the greatest aspect of their giving.
It was the fact that before they had given any gift in response to the need, they gave themselves to the Lord first.
That is when the apostle acknowledged, “For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves” (2 Corinthians 8:3 KJV).
How, “this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:5 KJV).
That is what the Father wants to see in each of our lives.
Because nothing that we do will be accepted of the Father until we first give ourselves to the Lord.
When we do, we are not only giving Him glory, but we are also showing men where our strength comes from.
When we have faithfully received the Lord as our Leader and Guide, He shows us what we are capable of doing.
There is an abundance of spiritual joy that comes over us.
So much joy that it touches the hearts of others.
An encouragement for them to join in doing this work and labor of love.
Let us be the ones to faithfully give of ourselves.
To go beyond our abilities.
That is what the Father desires from us.
It can be done when we give ourselves to Him.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, Your grace is the root and foundation of all that is good. When our hearts and minds are set on You we can accomplish a multitude of things. The more we stand on the Word, the more we have to offer. Let us continue to show others that our status in life means nothing if we do not have You in it. We long for the spiritual joy to be received as we have a heart in the work and labor of love. Thank You for it all.
In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen