And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 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 8:1-5
“It appears that when the collection was first mooted, Paul had not thought to include the churches of Macedonia in this “ministry” for the poor believers in Judaea, presumably on account of their own hardships. In consequence of gospel ministry among them since his return to Macedonia, the members of the Macedonians have given themselves to the Lord, and, in consequence, to Paul. As a result, despite their rock bottom poverty, they have begged Paul to allow them to be included in participation in the collection. The grace of God has been given to them; they overflow in generosity. Paul has witnessed their generosity, which has been beyond their capacity.”
Paul Barnett in The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (NICNT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997) 390.
Think right now of one or more persons that you know with the least amount of financial resources to extend compassionate generosity. Picture them in your mind.
If I asked the Apostle Paul to do this hypothetical exercise, it is likely that he would have envisioned the Macedonians. They were the last people he thought could minister through giving.
They had rock bottom poverty. So, what’s the lesson? Don’t just focus on inviting the wealthy to give. Encourage everyone to put to work what they have through generous giving.
In my work with GTP, I am finding that the poor in the majority world appreciate it when they are included in giving efforts. They are equal participants in God’s work to you and me.
So, wherever you are, I want to invite you to join the work of GTP around the world by supporting efforts in your region. God supplied a $50,000 matching gift to GTP to encourage regional giving.
Whether you are reading this in South Korea or Australia, UK or the Philippines, click on your region and make a gift. Do this because our present-day efforts mirror Paul’s work here.
We are doing regional campaigns to rally local giving. All the funds will be used within each region to strengthen stewards and help ministries flourish.