2 Corinthians – Chapter 8

…for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 2 Corinthians 8:2 – Due to a variety of reasons, the Christian church in Jerusalem during this time was in dire need of financial support. Paul then undertook a massive fundraising campaign among the churches that he had planted throughout the Roman Empire to support the struggling Jerusalem church. In speaking with the Corinthians, Paul tells them how generously the churches in the Macedonian region gave to support their brothers in Jerusalem. While navigating their own issues and their own levels of poverty, these churches jumped on the idea of helping out the needs of another church. They supported this campaign well beyond their means. Seeing passages like this can be healthy refreshers to check our own hearts when it comes to generosity. When we see a need within a brother’s or sister’s life do we jump on it like the churches in our passage did? Are we begging for the opportunity to give like we see from these churches in our passage, or are we using our creativity to get out of having to give? The lesson from the chapter is we ought to give to support one another, but the amount isn’t the important part. The important part is where is your heart at in the giving? Be willing to give how you can, and if giving isn’t easy for you to do, be willing to bring that to the Lord for His help. As we see in our chapter, Jesus was willing to lay aside the riches of Heaven for us, trust then He knows how to encourage the growth of generosity in our story. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3131

Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 2 Corinthians 8:14 – This is a product of unity and a family type relationship within the church. Those who have share with those who don’t have. Those who don’t have humble themselves and accept the help of those who do have. We are aware of the needs of those around us and are willing to let go of what we have so others can have what they need. How attractive is this type of community if done right? Begin today looking at the blessings God has given you, but don’t just “count your blessings.” Look at what you have and the look at the needs of those that God has placed in your story. How can your home, your car, your words, even your time be used to meet the needs of those around you. If Jesus saw our need and gave His life, let’s see how we can give to meet the needs of those around us. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac

For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:12 – Maybe this isn’t as comforting to everyone as it is for me, but this passage sure sets my heart at peace. The reason why is often I can beat myself up for wishing I had more to give to God. Maybe it’s more in the offering plate when I know our church isn’t doing great financially or time when I know someone is in need of some of mine. Yet this passage reminds us its not about what you have or don’t have it’s about the readinesses to give in your heart that matters. Maybe you can only give a little, but your heart is fully ready and even cheerful to do that, know that gift is more pleasing to God than a large offering given with a reluctant heart. Challenge yourself tomorrow at church to see what giving with a readiness to give looks like. If that’s you on the normal, be more ready than normal. God just deserves all we have and He also deserves a heart ready to give all that to Him. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 726

With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 2 Corinthians 8:18 – Who is this preacher that is famous for his preaching of the gospel? Some think it may be Luke. Possibly Mark, Silas, or even Barnabas. All those are speculations though because scripture doesn’t tell us who this famous preacher was. But for me, that’s the point that really hit home, we don’t know his name. He’s gone down in history and in scripture even as someone famous for preaching the gospel yet we don’t even know his name, just what he did for Jesus. Would you be okay with that? Where you give your all over to the work of God, you do it so amazingly well that your work is literally in the history books, but despite all that no one knows your name once it’s all said and done. In the flesh, it’s easy to see how that could make one frustrated. You worked so hard and you want some recognition for it. Keep this in mind though, they may not remember your name, but do you know what name they will remember now because of all your work? Jesus. This is what it looks like to serve for the glory of God and not the glory of you. People may never remember your name or even what you did, but they’ll remember the name of Jesus you showed them and that you lifted high for all to see. Work hard, give God your all, preach His name and love loudly, and be content if no one knows who you are once it’s all said and done. Because they may have forgotten your name, but they’ll have Jesus’ name in their story because of you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2068