God’s grace was so effective that the Macedonians didn’t only give a financial gift “but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us” (II Corinthians 8:5). Their response to grace was absolute devotion to God. They first gave themselves to the Lord.
Until you give yourself, every dollar is a battle! While you regard your possessions as essentially your own and entirely within your own prerogative, you will be vulnerable to permanent inner conflict. The Macedonians had experienced such liberating grace that they had first given themselves. When you take that step, all that is yours comes within the orbit of God’s control, and giving as God directs is a matter of ongoing obedience.
Paul goes on to explain that they not only gave themselves to the Lord, they also gave themselves to the apostles. This was no token piety but a self-giving clearly demonstrated in practical devotion and contribution to the apostolic mission. They gave themselves to Paul and his co-labourers, fully identifying with them in their calling. So giving was not a private and personal matter but an appropriate outworking and joint ownership of the apostolic mission, a partnership in grace and loyalty.
In building his church, God wants us not only to give ourselves to him but to give ourselves in tangible terms to people whom he has anointed and raised up. These Macedonians gladly gave themselves to Paul, remembering no doubt how Paul had first given himself to them in sacrificial service, imprisonment and persecution as he brought the gospel to their towns.
The sharing of finance was part of the sharing of lives, even as it had been at the beginning on the Day of Pentecost. The New Covenant did not change believers’ giving from 10% to 15%, or cut it to 7%. The powerful New Covenant produced a people who were joined to one another in love. The grace of God knitted their hearts so profoundly that their pockets were touched and generous sharing characterised them.
In writing to the Corinthians, Paul went on to add further motivation as he exhorted them to give. He congratulated them on many aspects of their Christian life, namely their faith, utterance, knowledge and all earnestness (see II Corinthians 8:7). Now he exhorted them to make sure their Christian experience was well rounded and that they “excel in this act of grace
In other words, Paul was saying to the Corinthians, you are an amazingly charismatic church. You are extraordinary in your spiritual giftings, your knowledge, your power, your words. You excel in so many gifts but don’t be unbalanced! Excel in the gift of giving as well. Don’t just be a tonguespeaker. Don’t just be a prophet. Be a giver. Be an all-round Christian! Excel in every possible area.
From “God’s Lavish Grace” by Terry Virgo.
May we be all round believers both in the Word and giving