Liberality Brings Blessing
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on
the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance
of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their
liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and
beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much
urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering
to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves
to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.
The heavens and the earth God first created was ‘very good’. He gave the people, made in His image, a beautiful and abundant environment to live in. God is love, and very generous. Great suffering has filled the world since though, following Adam and Eve’s sin. Yet in His goodness and mercy, the Lord sent His only Son Jesus to redeem all. At the end, the new heaven and new earth will be glorious!
Liberality is essentially giving or spending freely; a spirit of generosity. As you give, you open the windows of heaven for God to bless you. A closed heart toward God or others, where you collect and hold onto money or things solely for yourself greatly limits His chance to bless you. Selfish ambition never profits. The Macedonian churches spoken of in the above scripture passage had the right spirit. The love of God in them was being truly expressed through practical action.
I think the Lord expects us generally to give according to our means. We need to care for our family effectively. But He does take note of sacrifice, when it is not just our ‘surplus’. We can choose, and He loves a cheerful giver.
We can also give of our talents and time. We can show practical compassion. We can share knowledge and hard earned wisdom. And best of all, we can pray for others.
David, in Old Testament times, drew near to God, and as king of Israel had the Holy Spirit upon him. He was gracious and giving, as can be seen in the account of his dealings with Mephibosheth. He wanted to honor God, and had a higher understanding of Him than usual for his time. Those who are ‘in Christ’ now, are under the New Covenant!
Liberality does not mean foolishness. It is done in the meekness of wisdom. As we grow in God, we can seek Him in prayer as to our giving to build His kingdom and help people.
God’s economy runs on goodness, mercy and love essentially. And Luke 6:38 clearly shows the Lord blesses those who give from a good heart in faith. Liberality is a joyful thing!
Other Scripture
1 Corinthians 13:3
2 Corinthians 8:12