“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us” (2 Corinthians 8:3-5 NIV).
This passage provides us with another important principle in regard to financial giving: “…they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will” (NIV). The example of the Macedonian Christians in this area should prompt us to ask if we are similarly seeking God’s direction regarding those we support and how we should give.
You see, the right attitude towards giving should naturally follow the act of giving oneself to the Lord. In the words of one commentator, the Macedonian churches were moved by the will of God who made them willing. (1) With is in mind, consider example of the Macedonians in 2 Corinthians chapter eight and how they gave…
- They accepted responsibility to assist those who were in need and viewed that responsibility as a privilege (verses three and four).
- They committed themselves to the Lord first and then to the Apostle Paul by the will of God (verse five).
- They gave joyfully (verse two).
- They gave generously (verse two).
- They gave sacrificially (verse two).
So their internal decision to seek the Lord for His direction led to a series of God-honoring external responses. This concept is also reflected in New Testament book of James….
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do” (James 2:14-18 NIV).
To paraphrase the idea behind these passages, “…it isn’t enough just to have faith. You must also do good to prove that you have it. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good works is no faith at all– it is dead and useless” (TLB).
(1) Jamieson, Robert, D.D. “Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8”. “Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible”. [v. 8] <http://classic.studylight.org/com/jfb/view.cgi?book=2co&chapter=008>. 1871.