A Soul Activity
And not even as we expected [anticipated], but they gave
themselves, and only themselves, first to the Lord and then
to us, by the plan [purpose, design] of God (2 Cor. 8:5).
Although the Macedonian believers were destitute, they far
exceeded Paul's expectation in the matter of the offering. Why?
Because they gave of themselves from their own grace mental
attitude. "First" emphasizes the person rather then the gift. When
a person simply gives his money, he is doing what any unbeliever
can do. Because they are under condemnation from God, unbelievers
cannot give of themselves to the Lord; they cannot give of their souls.
The Macedonians gave of themselves---their souls! That soul activity
actually extends to the overt activity of giving. But the money or
the amount is not important; it is the condition of the soul that counts.
"A faithful man abound with blessings."
Proverbs 28:20
Lord, help me to remember that there are many ways to
rejoice in any kind of day You make for us.
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