How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
Today's Thought: Giving is about the heart so be ready to give your heart.
When Edward Prince of Wales married Princes Alexandria of Denmark in 1863, the wedding was a major event in the entire England. The couple received thousands of gifts and presents. Commenting on the lavishness of gifts received by the couple, Charles Spurgeon said "The position of the Princess is such that we do not view it as any great liberality to subscribe to a diamond necklace, since those who give are honored by her acceptance."
Let us be reminded today that the issue is the motive of our giving. Those who gave to the royal couple found joy when the couple accepted their gifts. There was a sense of being honored and pride that such a Royal Couple of stature could accept gifts from commoners. It is in our giving to the Lord. We must understand what motivate us to give the way the Macedonian did that despite their great poverty they still gave.
The view we have with our resources is the same view we do have with the Lord. We give only to the Lord because we love Him. Otherwise, we won't be giving at all.
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