UR the Church: Generosity
Sometimes, being generous is difficult, especially when we’re concerned about our economy! But we can find encouragement from the early church. Many new believers in the first century faced incredible financial hardships after they began following Jesus. Yet, they still found the secret of a generous heart. 2 Corinthians 8 gives us a glimpse into the Macedonian churches and how they were able to cultivate a wealth of generosity even during their affliction and poverty. When we discover God’s purpose through generosity, we can live in the freedom of trusting that He will give us what we need to do His will.
“1 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4 begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5 and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. 7 But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. 8 I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”—Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
“1 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4 begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5 and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. 7 But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. 8 I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”—Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Discussion Questions:
- Is generosity easy or difficult for you to practice? Why? Who in your life has modeled generosity for you? What did they do that made an impact on you?
- The word “grace” (or “favor”) is used throughout this passage on generosity. In what ways is generosity considered grace? How does God’s love and grace toward you encourage you to be generous?
- The word “abundance” is also used throughout this text. How does the concept of abundance relate to generosity? Is Paul talking about our bank accounts or something else (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8)?
- How can generosity bring joy, even in financially tight times? What areas are you struggling to be a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7) with your time, talent, or treasure?
- How does the concept of stewardship relate to generosity (2 Corinthians 8:5;9:8)? Read Matthew 6:25-34. What things in life are most difficult for you to trust God with? How does this passage encourage you to trust Him more? What things in your life do you need to surrender complete control?
- Are there any specific areas where you’ve desired to be generous but haven’t followed through yet (2 Corinthians 8:7-8)? What’s one tangible step you can take this week to practice generosity?
Posted in UR Devotionals
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