When we hear of a need, it may be that our desire is to give but our bank account convinces us doing so is impossible. Though we know generosity should characterize believers, sometimes it seems the only way to be generous is to be wealthy.
The Christians in Macedonia prove this isn’t the case. Using them as a model of openhandedness, Paul motivated the Corinthians to follow through on their original commitment to support the church in Jerusalem. The example of the Macedonians in today’s passage helps us identify the characteristics of generosity:
A generous person is sensitive to the needs of others. The Macedonian believers’ own troubles didn’t prevent them from feeling compassion for the needs of others (v. 2).
A generous spirit sees needs as opportunities. The Macedonian Christians begged Paul to let them help support the saints in Jerusalem (v. 4).
Liberality flows from a life yielded to God. These believers first gave themselves to the Lord in obedience to His will (v. 5).
A generous spirit has nothing to do with how much money we have; rather, it has to do with how much the Lord has of us. When we are fully surrendered to Him, He provides the grace we need in order to share what we have—whether time, treasure, or talent.
Bible in One Year: Luke 20-22
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