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Poverty and Generosity

“In a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.” 2 Corinthians 8:2

In this section of his letter, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to complete the process of assembling a financial contribution to meet the needs of fellow believers in the city of Jerusalem, who were experiencing great need at that time. Although the members of the Corinthian Church were relatively prosperous, they struggled to complete the arrangements for the financial gift.

To encourage them, Paul cites the example of the Macedonian Church. While things were relatively peaceful and prosperous for the Corinthian Church, the believers in Macedonia were experiencing great afflictions. It is likely that they were undergoing harassment from others for their faith. Not only that, but they were also very poor with limited financial resources.

But in the midst of their afflictions and poverty, the Macedonians were filled with joy at the opportunity to contribute to the needs of the saints in Jerusalem! How could that be? What could make a group of people behave like this, choosing to suffer to help others that they had never met?

According to Paul, this was because they gave themselves to the Lord, dedicating their lives to Him and His purposes. Even in the midst of their great difficulties, their goal was to please God most of all. Having renounced the lures of this world, they chose to put God first.

This summer, whether we are surrounded by much to enjoy all around us, or suffering through losses and difficulties, let us remember to put God first, seeking to please Him in all we do.

Prayer Focus: Father, help me to look beyond my circumstances, and joyfully serve You today with all my heart.

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