Amazing Grace #19

1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 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. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. (II Corinthians 8)

From what see in Paul's two letters to this church, there appeared to be a lot of self-focus: many wanted to stick out as being special and superior; there was a lot of sensuality, and some in need were being ignored, while others cared only about themselves.  Paul points to other churches that were setting an example in generosity, calling it and "act of grace."  These other believers were showing what happens when grace takes hold in our lives: since in our salvation God has freely given what we do not deserve, and provided forgiveness we could not obtain, our response should be to freely give to one another in need. Giving is a demonstration of our faith; it shows that we believe God provides, and if we "let go" of what we have, God will continue to provide what we need.  Now giving is not the only "act of grace", as Paul goes on to list several others here: God gives us faith when we have none of our own; He helps us speak up when we by nature are timid; He gives us knowledge that is above our IQ; He gives us courage and persistence to go on when we have no strethn of our own; He gives us the ability to love when people drive us crazy. But if we are not willing to give, have we really been willing to receive God's grace?