2
Corinthians 8:1-4 (added by Justine*)
And
now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the
Macedonian churches. (or in this case…the Vietnamese churches*). Out of the
most severe trial (persecution*), their overflowing joy and their extreme
poverty welled up in rich generosity.
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege
of sharing in this service to the saints.
v.
7: 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!
If I even began to share the testimonies of the generosity
that has been lavished upon us by the Vietnamese church, you would not have the
time or the energy to read through it all. I have not seen generosity like this
in all the Church, nor all my life. And contrary to my giving, there generosity
was beyond their ability!
Though I cannot share all, I do wish to share this one
testimony of a woman’s love for the saints (or servants of Jesus Christ). This
beautiful woman of God, at age 29, is Han, or Hannah in ‘Aussie’. She was born
and lived in Vietnam, and
now currently resides with her family in Australia. We had met her a week or
two ago when serving at a church. She was so passionate and excited about what
we were doing with the Lord that she asked to join us and bless us along the
way. Our next trip was 18 hours north of our current location. Her family had a
guest house at the half way point that she opened up to us to stay for a few
days. She insisted
on taking us in to her home, blessing us with meals, taking us to the beach,
boat rides, and tourism for a few days so that we may rest from doing the
Lord’s work. In the evenings her family members would come over in shifts and
we would worship with them and pray together. We were able to encourage them in
their walk and pour into them by the Spirit. We saw God move in so many ways.
This woman was ‘a complete stranger’ yet a sister in Christ
that “pleaded
with us for the privilege of sharing in the service to the saints.” When
we moved north with her and our team we were able to minister to churches with
her as our translator. She wept for the pastors and believers of Vietnam. She
cried out for what moves God to tears. Her heart for the brethren was stunning.
As I reflected on our ministry over this past month, God led
me to this passage. 2 Corinthians 8 has never been more alive in my life than
right now. I literally lived these
verses over the past month because of her, and the believers in Vietnam.
As I read into chapter 9 I began to see the Lord’s heart in
this matter.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man
should give what
he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or of necessity,
for God loves a cheerful giver.”
And…
“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on
every occasion, and through your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of GOD’S PEOPLE
but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the
service by which you have PROVED
YOURSELVES, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the
gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and
everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you,
because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his
indescribable gift!”
I love how He lays it out here.
God says, ‘Okay,
here’s the deal… Here is a spiritual law: if you sow in a stingy, frugal,
sparing way, that is what you will reap. If you sow generously you will reap
generously, plenty, abundantly.
Now,
I am just telling you how it works – you have freedom here. It is your
responsibility – you decide in your heart how you will give. No obligation, no necessity.
Though, I do encourage you to give for the benefit of others, and yourself. It reveals
obedience because it matches up with your confession – and others notice and
praise me. I want you to excel in this area just as much as I want you
excelling in faith, speech, knowledge, and complete earnestness and love for
others (2 Corinthians 8:7)! This is a gift and I want you to get it! Yet, I
will leave it up to you… your freedom, your choice, you decide in YOUR heart, and
I will love and provide for you either way you choose!
What a loving, gracious God. This compels me to give so much
more than if it was lawful for me to do so! God is ENTRUSTING me with His finances and the
responsibility to choose how I serve Him with it! I want to prove myself
faithful! I want to provide for the Saints! I want to take care of my family!
If His heart is with the poor, I want to be there with Him!
I have had more generosity poured out on me by complete
strangers this month then ever before and it has radically changed my world and
view of God. I want to be that for others! Do I not want to cause others to
glorify and praise God the way I have this past month?
What a beautiful God we serve. He chooses to use us.
