How can we be a picture of Jesus to people who are hungry and thirsty? I believe one key way is by having a spirit of generosity, a spirit of giving all that we can to those in need.
“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part” (2 Corinthians 8:1-2). Paul said, “I want you to know about this grace of God.” Paul is speaking to his church about generosity, a grace to give to others, during a time of severe testing. He started off by saying that the Macedonian churches were suffering but they were able to rise up and meet the needs of people even in their crisis situations because of God’s grace.
This seems to be a contradiction. In a time of great trial — in this case it was a famine — the people were able to have great joy in their hearts. And they also exhibited great generosity during their extreme poverty. They did not wait until they were walking in plenty before they started giving. No, they gave out of their need and had an “abundance of joy” in doing so.
Verse 3 says, “For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord.” These people did not give out of a sense of duty or obligation. They did it because it was in their heart to do so.
When the Spirit of God gets hold of your heart, you are able to see the needs of others. He opens your eyes to the reality that you do not have to worry or stress over your own finances and can, in fact, share with others during your time of lack. In other words, you can exercise the grace of generosity by his power working in you.
May the Holy Spirit sensitize us to the needs of others regardless of our own situation, whether positive or negative.