1- The Grace of God
2 Corinthians 8:1-6 (Paraphrased)
The grace of God – His favor and spiritual blessings – was given to the Macedonian churches; and the area known as Turkey today.  Those churches desired, and gave, a special money offering to other believers who were in great need.  Those Macedonian believers had severe trials and endured great afflictions of much pressure.  Although they had extreme poverty, the grace of God gave them an abundance of joy when giving to others needs.  Those believers were generous in giving.  They gave according to their ability and beyond and they did it without being pressured.  They insisted on giving to the needs of their spiritual brothers and sisters in great poverty in Jerusalem.

How could these believers do this for people they did not know?  First they gave themselves to the Lord – they were obedient to the will of God.  Because of their attitude of sharing with fellow believers, Titus took the monies they so generously provided to Jerusalem.

2- Example of Generosity
The generosity of the Macedonian churches was an example to other congregations.

Question: Without telling a lot of people about my generosity, am I an example to others?

Question: Am I giving myself to the Lord and am I obedient to His will by sharing what I have with needy believers?  Am I giving according to my ability?  Note that the Macedonian believers gave beyond their ability and did so without being pressured.

~ Take it to heart ~

This is the evidence of God’s grace given to me…
The grace of God is His favor and spiritual blessing lavished on me!
The grace of God will be evidenced in my life when His joy is seen in my life.
The grace of God will be seen through my generosity when I give to other believers needs.