This is our final devotion on the grace of God and how it operates in our lives. We’ve seen that God's grace saves us; it justifies us, making us "just as if we'd never sinned." More than that, it sanctifies us, transforming us so that we can do the good works that God has prepared for us to do. Even more, it initiates and continually brings God's Presence into our lives, giving us the power to live in ways that please Him. And yesterday, we read that the charis or grace of God empowers us with spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, teaching, and exhortation. Today we’ll look at one final application of the grace of God—possibly one you haven’t considered. Let's listen to it:
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…Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. (2 Cor. 8:1-2,6-7)
In this passage, Paul uses the word grace to describe the incredible stewardship of the Macedonian congregations. He said, "…in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part." These congregations were severely impoverished, yet they had a grace-induced desire and ability to give freely. This is the supernatural and gracious ministry of giving. Grace enabled these impoverished Macedonians to joyfully overflow with generosity, even though they had no resources. Paul calls this an "act of grace." I have occasionally seen this gift at work, often in the life of someone on a fixed income. Despite their limitations, they always seems able and eager to give toward those in need. They’re not giving out of their own resources—they’re giving out of the bottomless well of God's grace. This is a great gift which edifies the one who gives it as much as the one who receives it—and God likes it! Maybe you know a person with such a gift. Maybe…you are that person.
As we come to the end of the series, I encourage you to continually thank God for His grace which is at work in your life. God's amazing grace—we can't live a single day without it!
“When the bottom falls out and disappointments come, you will learn what you believe, what you love, and what you treasure.”