Excel in Giving

2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV)

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

As Christians we are not just to be mediocre or kind of good at giving but we are to excel in giving. Many of you remember Michael Phelps, the fastest simmer in the world. He won 8 Olympic medals in 2004 (6 gold and 2 bronze) and in 2008 he won 8 gold medals. Phelps, through discipline and determination has excelled in swimming. In the same way, we are to excel in giving. We are to discipline ourselves in the art of giving and we are to be determined to be great givers.

If you look at the beginning of chapter 8, the first 4 verses give us great insight on how we are to do everything in our power to give.

"And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. ² Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. ³ For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints."

These churches in Macedonia are dirt poor and they have been experiencing severe trials, but despite their physical circumstances they pleaded (ESV says they begged) with Paul to let them give. Have you ever begged someone to let you give? I know some of us will fight over who pays the check at dinner sometimes but I believe this is a little different. It's not that these churches just wanted to give a little but they gave way beyond their abilities. They gave everything they had (look up Luke 21:1-4).

Why would these churches desperately want to give even when did not have anything? I think 2 Corinthians 8:9 answers that question for us. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." Jesus Christ gave himself, he became poor so we might have eternal life and be rich. These Macedonian churches simply wanted to reveal their cheerful thankful hearts to God for what He had done for them. Let us hold out our possessions with open hands give all we have to the glory of God.