In verse 7 of today’s passage, Paul wrote, “See that you also excel in this grace of giving” (NIV). Let’s look at some people in the Bible who were examples of this kind of generosity.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus praised the poor widow for her sacrificial giving. Contrasting her with those who gave out of their surplus, He said, “She, out of her poverty, put in all she owned” (vv. 44). When we trust the Lord with our finances as this woman did, then no matter how little or how much we have, we’ll excel at the grace of giving.
A sacrificial mindset can be found in the early church, too. Those new believers eagerly sold their possessions and property to meet the needs around them. (See Acts 2:45.) Because of their generosity, God blessed them with glad hearts, favor from people, and increasing numbers.
The Macedonian churches from today’s passage also understood the importance of giving. Even though these believers were very poor, Paul says “their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” He even says they considered it a privilege to share in this way (vv. 2, 4 NIV).
God expects us to give, and to do so cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7). In His grace, He’s provided biblical role models to help us learn how. What’s one way you can become a more giving person?
Bible in One Year: Esther 1-5
