He became poor
Today's focusThe Macedonian churches, though in deep poverty, give joyfully and beyond their means, first giving themselves to the Lord, following the grace of Christ who, though rich, became poor for our sakes.
Read
1Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Reflection
In this passage, we see a beautiful picture of what happens when the grace of God takes hold of a community. The churches in Macedonia were facing a "great trial of affliction" and "deep poverty," yet they did not wait for better circumstances to be generous. Instead, their "abundance of their joy" overflowed into a sincere desire to help others. They did not give because they were commanded to, but because they had "first gave their own selves to the Lord." This reminds you that true giving starts with a heart fully surrendered to God.
The ultimate example for your life is found in the "grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." Though He was rich, He "became poor" for your sake. He stepped into our human need so that you, "through his poverty might be rich." As you grow in faith and knowledge, you are encouraged to also "abound in this grace" of giving. Generosity is not about the size of the gift, but about the "sincerity of your love" and a willingness to share in the "fellowship of the ministering to the saints."
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
How does Jesus' self-giving love move you to give — not to get something back, but out of gratitude?
Pray
Lord Jesus, though you were rich, you became poor for my sake. Thank you for this grace. Let my giving flow from joy and gratitude, and first of all let me give myself to you.