1 Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia, 2 that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. 3 For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, 4 begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints. 5 And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 6 Thus we urged Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, so also he should complete this act of kindness for you. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you—make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Jess Chow

When I read this passage, I must admit I wasn’t eagerly looking forward to reflecting deeply on it as I knew it would convict me in my giving. Yet the example of the Macedonians didn’t only make me feel guilty about my materialism, but also deeply encouraged by these eager brothers and sisters whose generosity was emboldened by the grace of God.

In our materialistic culture, where money buys happiness, it might seem impossible to imagine extreme poverty existing alongside abundant joy. However, the Macedonian Christians – who had so little to give materially – were begging Paul for the blessing of giving generously to the ‘saints’ (that is, to the poor among the Christian church in Jerusalem: see Romans 15:26). This radical giving makes no worldly sense, but it makes complete sense through the lens of the gospel.

The example of the Macedonians reminds me of John Wesley, a theologian in the 1700s. In one year, he recorded his income as £30, and his living expenses £28, so he had £2 to give away. The next year his income doubled to £60, but his living expenses remained at £28, so he could give the remaining £32 away. He continued this pattern throughout his life; even when his income rose into thousands of pounds, he gave all except his living expenses. He died with no more than a few coins, but he blessed the fellowship of the saints enormously in his lifetime. He knew that no money would go with him when he went to be with the Lord! The world might see it as a waste of wealth, but his reward is rich in heaven.

While I’m certainly not as radical as Wesley, the principle has stuck with me: As Christians, if our income increases, our standard of giving should increase, not our standard of living. If we were honest with ourselves, most of us could live with a lot less. After all, if I’m just giving leftovers after I’ve satisfied all my needs, wants, and some extra for long-term saving goals, it’s not really a sacrifice. It’s worth pausing to consider whether the money we’ve earned this year has served us alone, or if our giving has matched this income.

Ultimately, the real issue isn’t about money at all. It’s about our relationship with the Lord. The Macedonians first gave themselves to the Lord and then to Paul and the church financially. If I give myself to the Lord, entrusting myself to His sacrificial generosity to me in Jesus, then my material giving will be a natural overflow of His work in me.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jess is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.