100 Days of HopeSample

A Lesson On Giving From II Corinthians 8

In this remarkable story, the Apostle Paul shares the story of the Macedonians who gave financially to help the church in Jerusalem.

This was a collection taken from the mission field (in Macedonia) for the mother church (in Jerusalem). There are several observations worth noting from this passage:

First, the people in Macedonia gave out of severe trial and extreme poverty (v.2). They obviously were not wealthy yet they pleaded for the privilege of giving (v.4).

Second, they gave themselves first to the Lord (v.5). This emphasizes the importance of beginning with spiritual renewal. We should not expect those who are not committed believers to joyfully put money in a church collection.

Third, notice that Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to “excel in the grace of giving,” in addition to excelling in faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love (v. 7).

Fourth, Paul avoids legalism about giving by reminding the Corinthians that he is not commanding them to give, but rather testing the sincerity of their love by comparing it with the earnestness of others (v. 8).

Fifth, in verses 20 and 21 the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of accountability—so that the offering is well cared for, not only in the eyes of God, but also in the eyes of men. Honest, open handling of church offerings does more than anything else to instill confidence in the hearts and minds of those being asked to give.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the example of the Macedonian Church whose members gave radically out of love for you. Give us your heart as we seek to give.