2 Corinthians 8:1-8

 1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given
the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and
their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as
much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they
urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord
and then to us in keeping with God’s will. 6So we urged Titus, since he had earlier
made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7But
just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete
earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
 8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by
comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that
you through his poverty might become rich.

MEDITATION
Living in a materialistic society, we can easily become dominated by a spirit
of acquisition – of getting and storing and then guarding what we’ve gotten
and stored. The biblical practice of giving is an offering of a portion of the
fruits of our labour to God.  The offering is based upon the conviction that
we would have gotten nothing from all our sweat and exertion if God hadn’t
first given us the ground to use, the muscles to work, a brain to think, and
a community to live and be employed in.  Everything comes to us as a gift
from God.  Sunshine and rain.  Fruitfulness and fertility.  Strength and health.
They are all from God.  Our offering is an acknowledgment of that.  It’s a way
of honouring him and giving thanks to him.

Do I always give with a thankful heart?

Personal Note:
As I reflected on the things (both tangible and non-tangible) I have, I ask myself do I really believe that God is the one who has first given me the gifts.  I have a wonderful family to grew up in, a lovely wife, lots of friends, decent education, secure finances, satisfying job (being a pastor is ranked high in terms of job satisfaction according to secular statistics), wise mentor, ability to think and work...

Every thing I have belongs to God.  Offering a portion to God is a reflection of our faith and trust in God.  We teach people to tithe a tenth as we see this pattern in the Old Testament.  We see that the brothers and sisters Paul praises gave beyond their ability.  A thankful heart drives us to give and our giving will reflect the completeness and maturity in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in love.