Willing of Themselves 2 Corinthians 8:3

Paul the apostle and his companions shared how the churches in Macedonia endured “a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality”,and in chapter eight and verse three of Second Corinthians, Paul shared how the churches in Macedonia, “beyond their power were willing of themselves” where we read:

For to their power, I bear record, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

The verse begins, “For to their power, I bear record, yes, and beyond their power ...” Paul began with the words, “for” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “to their power” which means “to the churches' strength and ability”, “I bear record” or “Paul was a witness, affirmed, experienced, gave testimony and report to”, “yes, and” which means “even so and indeed”, “beyond” which refers to “more than and over” “their power” or the church members in Macedonia's “strength and ability”. Paul was a personal witness to the “ability” and “super ability” of the churches in Macedonia in this area of giving.

The verse goes on to say, “... they were willing of themselves;” Paul added the words, “they were willing” which means “the church members in Macedonia were voluntarily, of free choice and of their own accord” “of themselves” which pertains to the “churches in Macedonia”. Paul shared how the churches in Macedonia went beyond their own ability and strength to “willingly” give to others.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how he was blessed by the giving efforts of the churches in Macedonia. Even though they had little themselves, they were willing to share with others beyond their own ability. God desires for His church to function in this manner. Blessing others blesses Jesus, and when we attempt to give beyond our own ability, not only are others benefitted by our gifts, but God is blessed as well.

Next time Paul shares how the churches in Macedonia, “with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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