Your Identity in Christ
• I am devoted to my Master God, and because I am rich in Christ, I seek to master money and excel in the grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:3-5
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. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
~ Apostle Paul
“They” in 2 Corinthians 8:3-5 are identified as disciples from the Macedonian churches who pleaded to help out with a collection for God’s people. Though poor themselves financially, their generosity welled up for others. It was this generosity that fueled Paul’s reminder to the Corinthian Christians about their commitment to the same cause. The Macedonians were moved by a deep love and appreciation for their Lord. They weren’t just giving to a need.
Even though real people benefitted, the real giving was "to the Lord". That might explain why “even in their poverty” they could not be held back.
Who do you know that gives like this?
Is this you?
When you give, is it "to the Lord" first?
Could you excel in the grace of giving?
See an Old Testament version of such “to the Lord” generosity from 1 Chronicles 29:10-20 and find a matching prayer for you to lift up at the end of the week’s devotions.
1 Chronicles 29:10-20
David’s Prayer
10 David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
“Praise be to you, Lord,
the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15 We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 18 Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. 19 And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.”
20 Then David said to the whole assembly, “Praise the Lord your God.” So they all praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and the king.
Prayer
Father God, form in me a love and appreciation for Jesus like the Macedonian Christians had. Build a generous spirit in me to match that spurs me toward generous giving enabling You to bless people as You see fit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 139:19-24
- If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! - They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name. - Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and
abhor those who are in rebellion against you? - I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies. - Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts. - See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
John 15:23-24
Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.
John 15:18-20
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
Micro-Meditation Pondering Point
Hatred is a strong or even harsh word, but not one Jesus shies away from using. Is this a word you throw around loosely or use only with intentionality?