“They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” 2 Corinthians 8:5
Do you ever look at the needs around you and wonder where to give yourself first?
In this chapter of 2 Corinthians Paul is talking to the believers about grace and encouraging them in generosity. In verse 7 he says,
“see that you also excel in this grace of giving”.
It’s been a busy season in our home lately. Lots of extra people have been around. Lots of extra needs have needed to be met. All people we love dearly, yet as I read these words “excel in this grace of giving”, I sighed. When I get tired I often don’t feel like I am excelling much in this grace of giving.
Then my eyes fell again on verse 5.
They gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to others.
Ahhhh! So very simple!! First I give myself to the Lord. I dip into the well of all He is and draw up all that I need for this moment and this day. THEN I go and give out of that to others.
His presence has all I need. I will embrace His presence in this moment. I will engage in His presence by drawing on His resources and I will enjoy His presence as He enables me to excel in this grace of giving far beyond my own limited resources.
Lord God, You are so good! You give us all we need as we need it. You simply call us into Your presence to receive. Forgive me when I rush past You and try to do it all in my own strength. Remind me always to first give myself to You as I dip into Your deep well. Then I can go and give generously out of all that I have received. What joy You give! Thank you Lord. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.
By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission
FURTHER READING
Love is Patient and Kind – a story of a man on a bus
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