giving.

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

"We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 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. 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."

Paul wrote this to the Corinthians, who were pretty wealthy, but not generous. He told them about the churches in Macedonia (Philippi and Thessalonica) who were poor yet gave greatly.

One Bible Scholar said this of this passage speaking of the churches of Macedonia:

"Their giving was beyond what could or would be expected of such poor Christians. In fact, their giving would be a contradiction to their condition. And i remind you of verse 2 that they gave out of deep poverty and in a great ordeal of affliction. Times were difficult, life was difficult. They had very little, were extremely poor, a contradiction in their condition when compared to the generosity and the overflowing abundance of their liberality. With no regard for themselves, with no regard for their future needs, compelled by concern and care and love and compassion and obedience, and all of those things, they were glad to place themselves in an impoverished position even further dependent on God and believe that God would supply all their needs."

When we give, we best think about a few things:

1. Everything we have was given to us by God.
2. We are bought with a price, so everything we are and have is God's.
3. Giving is a command. (not giving=disobedience)
4. We should AT LEAST be giving 10% (israel's tax in the old testament - which was actually more than 10% - when you add all the Jewish Laws together!) (tithing isn't in the New Testament, but wouldn't be a bad place to start.)
5. We should be giving sacrificially ("beyond their means" - verse 3)
6. We should be giving joyfully. (2 Corithians 9:7 - not reluctantly - a cheerful giver)