25 Oct November 15th Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

RICH GENEROSITY—GRACE OF GIVING

2 Corinthians 8:1-7 “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. 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.”

The offering plate is greatly misunderstood. Many, like the Macedonian Christians, fill it with their offerings in gratitude and with thanksgiving for God’s bountiful goodness and rich blessings in their lives. Critics of the church condemn the offering plate saying all the church is interested in is their money.

The hymn writer says of the offering plate, “We give Thee but Thine own, Whate’er the gift may be; All that we have is Thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from Thee.” (LSB 781, v.1)

The Macedonian’s gave generously, St. Paul said of their giving that they excelled in the grace of giving.  Your offering is not your dues in payment for your membership in your congregation.  It is not for the payment of the congregation’s bills or to make budget.  Your offering is to be given from your heart in response to the gracious gifts and blessings God has given you.  God has poured out His love upon you!  In turn, you pour out your offering (love gift) in gratitude to Him.

The Macedonians gave richly even when they were living in poverty.  They excelled in the grace of giving because their hearts overflowed with love for God because He first loved them.  God fills your heart and life with His love every day.  In gratitude, give thanks to Him through your rich generosity, for “He is good and His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)

Prayer:  All that I have, O Lord, is a gift from you.  Bless me with a faith that daily recognizes that all I have is because you open Your hand and satisfy my every need of body and soul.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

The temple rang with golden coins The rich in bright array

Contributed from gleaming hoards Their scales could scarcely weigh.

A widow came with copper coins And offered them in praise.

They were the last she had to give Or save for darker days.

When Jesus saw her costly gift And knew she had no more.

He praised a love that spared not self And called her rich, though poor.

At last He brought His offering And laid it on a tree;

There gave Himself, His life, His love For all humanity.

Lord, help us all, with You, To yield Whatever love demands

And freely give, as You have giv’n, With open hearts and hands.

(LSB 787)