God loves it when, out of an overflow of our love for Him, we give generously. His Word is filled with examples of those who gave generously and sacrificially—like the Macedonians. In today’s devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef looks at the heart of the Macedonians, who understood that the gift of eternal life eclipsed every problem they could ever face.
If you would like more insight into today’s devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Living Generously, Part 3: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW
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[00:00:00] You are listening to My Devotional, the daily devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading
[00:00:06] the Way.
[00:00:08] Cheerful Givers by Dr. Michael Youssef God loves it when out of an overflow of our love
[00:00:14] for Him we give generously.
[00:00:17] His Word is filled with examples of those who gave generously and sacrificially, like
[00:00:23] the Macedonians.
[00:00:24] Read 2 Corinthians 8, verses 1-9 when you have a moment.
[00:00:28] The recipients of Paul's letter, the Corinthians, were rich in spiritual gifts but short on
[00:00:34] sacrificial giving.
[00:00:35] So Paul used the generosity of another group of believers, the Macedonians, to inspire them
[00:00:41] to do the same.
[00:00:42] Paul was taking up an offering for the believers suffering through a famine in Jerusalem, and
[00:00:47] even though the Macedonians were poor and enduring a severe trial themselves, they were delighted
[00:00:52] to give.
[00:00:53] They actually pleaded with Paul for the opportunity to give, and they gave even beyond their ability.
[00:00:58] Paul explained that the trials of the Macedonians made them more generous, more sensitive to
[00:01:03] the needs of God's work, more compassionate.
[00:01:06] Their most severe trials did not produce bitterness, but overflowing joy.
[00:01:11] The believers in Macedonia were so overwhelmed by the kindness of God that they longed to give.
[00:01:17] The Macedonians realized that their greatest joy, the gift of eternal life that God had given
[00:01:21] them eclipsed every problem they faced.
[00:01:25] Paul went on to share that God wasn't just honored by their sacrificial giving.
[00:01:30] They were actually imitating his own son who, though he was rich, yet for your sake he became
[00:01:36] poor, so that you, through his poverty, might become rich.
[00:01:41] Before Jesus' incarnation, he was in the Father's presence in heaven, robed with splendor.
[00:01:47] Everything in the universe answered to him, yet he willingly, deliberately, joyfully, lovingly
[00:01:54] laid it all aside to come to earth, to live like a vagabond, and to die a criminal's death
[00:02:00] on a cross.
[00:02:02] He gave his life so that we could be partakers in his wealth for eternity.
[00:02:08] When we live generously, we do not merely honor God.
[00:02:12] We imitate him.
[00:02:14] Is a generous giver someone you long to be?
[00:02:18] Ask God to give you a heart like the Macedonians, a heart like Christ's.
[00:02:22] Ask him to show you the greatness of his grace and to let the joy you experience overflow into
[00:02:29] cheerful giving.
[00:02:31] Let's pray together.
[00:02:32] Lord, mold our hearts so that it becomes more like yours.
[00:02:36] Help us to find opportunities to be generous as you have been so generous to us.
[00:02:43] We pray this in the name of Jesus.
[00:02:45] Amen.
[00:02:47] If you enjoy listening to the My Devotional Podcast, would you consider partnering with
[00:02:52] us to proclaim the hope of Christ to a world in darkness by giving a year-end gift?
[00:02:58] This month, your gift will have double the impact through our December Gift Challenge.
[00:03:03] Leading the way is reaching the lost and equipping the saints 24-7 through television, radio, online
[00:03:10] outreaches, discipleship resources, evangelistic events, field teams, and more.
[00:03:17] Dr. Youssef's biblically-based messages are broadcast in 28 languages to audiences across
[00:03:23] six continents, passionately proclaiming uncompromising truth worldwide.
[00:03:29] Join us by giving a gift at ltw.org today.
[00:03:35] My Devotional is a ministry of leading the way with Dr. Michael Youssef.
[00:03:39] To learn more, visit ltw.org today.