For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
-II Corinthians 8:3-5
Notice in the last phrase the order of the giving of the Macedonian church which I think might be the Philippian church that Paul writes to later. They gave themselves first to the Lord. Next, they gave to missionaries like Paul. They commit themselves to God, then they gave to other believers in need.
Why should they do this? What is there motivation? This is what I interpret to be the driving force of why they (AND WE) should give abundantly.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
-II Corinthians 8:9
Yes, we are commanded to be generous with our money. However, we should not be guilted into giving. Rather, we can turn to the Gospel for what Jesus thought about giving. In comparison to God, we are the poorest of the poor. We bring nothing to the table. However, here's the sweet part, He became poor to the point of death. For what? In order that we may have richness in Him.
So when we are given the opportunity to give, we can look at the Gospel and see it as a clear motivation for giving generously. It's a really sweet way to reflect the Gospel for others.
By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others...
II Corinthians 9:13
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