There is an account in the Bible where the Church experienced "severe trial" as recounted by the apostle Paul.
During this time, all the churches were affected. Those in Macedonia and those in Corinth were not spared. And it seems even the other churches experienced the same.
The Church in Macedonia pleaded with the apostle Paul, that they be given the chance to provide for the needs of the other churches adversely affected. Noteworthy was the fact that the Macedonians were themselves not spared of this trial and their grave condition did not prevent them from doing that which was very honourable... Paul, spoke of them in this way...
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 NIV
What an irony indeed for the Macedonian church to provide for the needs of the OTHER CHURCHES even though they are themselves in dire straits. Although they themselves were in EXTREME POVERTY, their sacrificial giving welled up in RICH GENEROSITY.
And this without compulsion or pressure but recognizing the need of those times, URGENTLY PLEADED and ACTED and GAVE from what little they had.
What a moving picture to see and behold for Churches to move in the same way as the Macedonian churches did in those times.
In this time of crisis, may we be found in the same joyful, never miss an opportunity to help attitude as the Macedonian churches had.
As Paul declares...
But since you excel in everything---in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you---see that you also excel in this grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV).
And hoped...
2 Corinthians 8:14-15 NIV At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, [15] as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”
May we never miss the opportunity to help and may the JOY of God urge us to do the same...
#macedonianinitiative
#joyfulgiving
#biblicalquarantine
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