Liberality of the Heart
Now we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 that with a great ordeal of affliction, the abundance of their joy and the extreme depth of their poverty have overflowed to the wealth of their generosity.
I testify that they gave* according to their ability, and beyond their ability, by their own choice, 4 requesting of us with much exhortation the favor and the fellowship of the ministry to the saints,
2. Trial. Or, “test.” The word is used especially of testing the quality of metals. The Macedonian Christians suffered more than ordinary affliction, yet their faith and experience proved genuine.
They suffered severely from persecution (Acts 17:5–9; 1 Thess. 1:6–8; 2:14; 3:3–5; 2 Thess. 1:4–6).
One of the great tests of a triumphant Christian experience is to know joy, peace, and love in the midst of affliction (Matt. 5:11, 12; Rom. 5:3; 12:12; 1 Peter 2:20, 21).
Yet in spite of utter destitution they overflowed abundantly with help for others in need.
But it is not the greatness of the gift that makes the offering acceptable to God; it is the purpose of the heart, the spirit of gratitude and love that it expresses.
The Macedonian churches needed no prompting or reminding, as did the church at Corinth. They were more than willing to share in the collection. In fact, they begged to be included! (2 Cor. 8:4)
They gave because they wanted to give and because they had experienced the grace of God.
Grace not only frees us from our sins, but it frees us from ourselves.
The grace of God will open your heart and your hand.
Your giving is not the result of cold calculation, but of warmhearted jubilation!