Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 8:1-6.
“1 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4 begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5 and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-6.
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It is a wonderful thing to recognize the grace of God working in ourselves and others. The will of God causes the work to be done whether it be the liberal giving by the churches in Macedonia as today’s Scripture details or some work by us today. Notice that Paul emphasizes: “Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia”. So, we, today, should point out what we believe is the grace of God at work.
What encouragement it must have been to the churches in Macedonia who had “a great deal of affliction” and “deep poverty” to learn of Paul’s words! How wonderful it is also to us (who likewise have troubles and trials and yet, through God’s grace are able to do some remarkable things) to receive encouragement!
Today’s Scripture speaks of “the favor of participation in the support of the saints”. We need to be reminded that it is an honor and a privilege (as well as a duty) to support our fellow saints.
We can support the saints in different ways. We can support them financially. As already mentioned, we can encourage the saints. We can pray for the saints. Like Titus, we can work directly with the saints to help them complete the gracious work.
When we participate in the support of the saints, it is also a sign that God is at work within us. “For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12
And so, it is a delight for us to help. “As for the saints who are in the earth, They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.” Psalm 16:3
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 