GIVING IS SERVICE

“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. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering of the saints. 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.” – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

LIGHT FOR NOW: A man who is not consecrated to the service of God will find it difficult to give.

The church at Jerusalem had needs, and other churches in Asia had to gather support to send to Jerusalem. The church at Macedonia were in an economic crisis, but they were willing and full of joy to give even in their lack. Paul was saying that this church demonstrated the grace of God by giving even when they did not have enough. Apostle Paul commended their generosity, how they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to serve the brethren who were in need with their substance.

The grace of God enables a man to give irrespective of his financial situation. The scriptures do not teach to give only when a man has enough but to give freely and willingly as he has prospered. Jesus in Matthew 12 commended a widow who gave all she had.
Notice that Jesus did not stop the widow from giving because she did not have it; he only commended her for giving what she had. Truth is, it takes consecration of the heart to give in lack. When a man is not consecrated to the Lord, giving becomes a burden rather than a lifestyle. Giving ought to be a lifestyle; it is, first of all, service to God. In giving, you give yourself to the Lord and to his church. Giving, therefore, is a culture of those consecrated to the service to God. Glory!

INSTRUCTION: Be consecrated to the service of God.

CONFESSION: I give myself to the Lord and to his church. My financial situation does not determine how I give, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

QUOTE: Giving is a culture of those who are consecrated to the service of God.

DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: 2CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 8; EVENING: MARK CHAPTER 12