Devotional Text

Pastor David’s devotional for November 2, 2022

II Corinthians 8:1-7

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. ² In the midst of a very 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 Lord’s people. ⁵ And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. ⁶ So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. ⁷ But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you^[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

In today’s scripture, St. Paul urged the church in Corinth to give generously to the mission of reaching more people for Christ.  He recognized that giving is not easy.  As an example, he pointed out some other churches who were struggling financially and still chose to give generously to the mission.  The churches recognized that at one time they were beneficiaries of other people’s giving, so they wanted to do for others what had been done for them—share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The church in Corinth had not considered how much they had received.  So, they lagged in being generous.  It is not surprising—the church in Corinth was a troubled church, one that Paul seemed to need to help often.  His first letter to the church addressed 7 problems the church was having—7!  In his second letter, he addressed, among other things, giving.  Later in chapter 8 he explained that he was not asking them to give to the point that they no longer had what they needed.  They had more than they needed!  He asked that they give out of their abundance so others would have what they needed.

Through Paul’s lengthy teaching on giving, he hoped the church in Corinth would understand that the Christian life is a life of self-giving.  They had received the faith because others gave of themselves sacrificially.  Now it was time for them to do the same.  The mission of the church needed to continue.

This hasn’t changed.  The mission of the church needs to continue.  We look at all that is going on in this world, and we can see that now—as much as ever—the world needs to experience the love of Jesus Christ.  Like the churches Paul served, Desert Spring is here because of the uncommon generosity of others.  It is our turn to pass on what we received through our uncommon generosity.

Let’s take a moment to think about uncommon generosity.

• Have you ever been the recipient of the uncommon generosity of another person? If so, how? What is the story?  How did you feel?  How did you respond?
• Sometimes people are generous with their time, sometimes with their abilities, and sometimes with their resources.  Which is easier for you?  To be generous with time, ability, or resources?  Do you have a story about being generous?  What are some ways you try to be generous?
• Do you consider Desert Spring to be more like the Macedonia churches or more like the church in Corinth? Why?  If you believe we are like the Macedonia churches, can you give examples?  If you believe we are like the church in Corinth, can you give examples of times we missed opportunities to give?

With the financial help of our Annual Conference, Desert Spring was started in 1991.  Since then, many people have given sacrificially to help this church become the wonderful church it is.  Recognizing the generosity of others leads me to give thanks.  What is it about Desert Spring that leads you to want to give thanks?  Give thanks to God!

God bless you, and I hope to see you soon!

Pastor Dave