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 their
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 fellowship of the ministering to
the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:1 --
4
What is
meant that the Corinthians "abounded in their riches of their
liberality?" The Greek word: ὰπλότητος Which is translated liberality has a larger meaning and to aid us in
our understanding of this word it speaks of the simplicity, sincerity,
purity or probity (integrity and uprightness; honesty) of mind. This liberality arises from simplicity and
frankness of character. Therefore, this is not about liberality within the
Christian faith as is in liberal Christianity.
God's grace must have your ownership as the root and the fountain, the
foundation, of all the good that is in us, or done by us, and any time. This is a great grace given to you by the
favor from God, and if we are to be useful to others, then forwarded in our
good work. This poll was commending the
Corinthians, their charity especially the charity of the Macedonians. Yes, they were in distress, yet they
contributed to the relief of others.
How often is it that we excuse herself so that we do not feel the need
to give some relief and help to others when we ourselves are going to trial and
tribulations. Let's get over this
really quick: in this world you we'll have trials and tribulations! Without trials and tribulations then our
faith is not tested any of our faith is not tested it is questionable whether,
or not we have true faith. Remember as
I had mentioned earlier the Caesars that had now taken power and this would
include Nero, imposed harsh treatment among Christians and in these parts
Christians suffered ill-treatment and by this ill-treatment they were reduced
to poverty even deep poverty. Here is
something we must take notice of: they gave out of a little, trusting in God to
provide for them. Question for us: Do
you exercise such trust? Paul would not
undertake this trust by the handling of this money or gifts so that others
might accuse him of indiscretion and partiality and distribution. The lesson for us is that we must be
cautious, particularly as ministers, in money matters, not to give occasion to
those who seek location to speak about you reproachfully. This charity at its foundation and true
piety. This requires as it did for them
for a week to surrender ourselves unto the Lord Jesus Christ and also to
sanctify our contribution to the honor of God.
This is possible only if we first give ourselves the Lord: "And not only as we had hoped, but
they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God"
(2 Corinthians 8: 5). Everything we
may give or those things we may bestow for charitable uses, cannot be expected
to be a set by God, or to turn to our advantage, unless first we give ourselves
to the Lord. Titus was assigned for
this work: "So we urged Titus, that
as he had begun, so he would also complete disgrace in you as well" (2
Corinthians 8:6). Titus was the
proper person to be employed for this work and from this we learned that this
process work that had begun, that which prospered in so good a hand, proceeds
and from this we learn is wise to use proper instruments and work, so that we
desire to proceed well. As Paul desire
to stir up the Corinthians let this also aspire to stir us up: "But as you abound in everything -- in
faith, in a speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us --
see that you abound in this grace also" (2 Corinthians 8:7). John
the apostle wrote: "No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us,
and His love has been perfected in us" (1 John 4: 12).
The love of God is
greater than anything on this earth especially when it once breaks on the soul
and we began to experience are you uniting, are complete self united, with the
nature of God. When this occurs everything becomes easy and
no command of Jesus is difficult to obey.
This is not by our power so that we can love God that enables us to obey
or makes it easy to obey. No, it is a
very love of God in our hearts that makes it easy to obey Him to the point
where we don't even know we are obeying.
Think back and recall when God touched a bike as long in your life, they
may be few, but if you do this you will never find it impossible to do anything
He asks. When the love of God abides in
you and your whole being is united with Him in God and his love that has been
shed abroad in our hearts we find we must exhibit, to manifest it in the strain
of life. Remember there will always be
a strain of life. Yes there is a risk
yes there is a possibility for things going wrong but also for things to go
right. There is always a risk: therefore,
God values our obedience to Him. May
God be blessed. May His name be
blessed, for by His redemption, the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts,
and then we are given by Him something to do to manifest it.
THE SHULAMITE
Draw me away is?
THE DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM
We will run after you.
THE SHULAMITE
The king has brought me into his chambers
THE DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM
We will be glad and rejoice in you.
We will remember your love more than wine.
Song of Solomon 1:4
Manifest today God's love
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