A Thought for the week
Week of September 27
 
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4
 
We often talk about grateful giving in our offering. A sign of what God has blessed us with. An act of faith showing it is not I who gives us our wealth but God. Reading this passage, I am reminded of the blessing of giving to God for God’s will. The Macedonian churches were going through tough times. Still, out of their poverty they gave and in that giving they had joy. Giving an offering or even giving time to God can be begrudgingly done because we think we have to. The Macedonian Church did it because they wanted to help. This brought them joy. May we not give because we think we need to but instead give because it brings us joy to be part of God’s work in the world.