“They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us.” 2 Corinthians 8:5 NIV
“Munificence is a grace flowing from a heart devoted to Christ.”
My thoughts today are about “munificence.”
People assume that happiness and security comes from what they have, but the greatest joy is found only in what you give. Christmas is a good season of the year to re-establish a proper understanding of meaningful giving and sincere generosity, but this is much more than a seasonal practice. Your old nature, before renewed by Christ, wants to keep the most and best for one’s self. That is the surest path to unhappiness. Let’s look at some practical lessons to be learned about giving from reading 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 NKJV.
First of all, munificence flows from a heart devoted to Christ. Munificence – a great word – is defined as “lavish, bountiful liberality. Isn’t that how you want to live? The Apostle Paul commended Macedonian believers who gave “According to their ability, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift . . and not only as we hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.” 2 Corinthians 8:3-5 NKJV. Liberality is expressed to others but its seed is rooted and grows in your sincere love for God. Get the sequence right; first give yourself to God, then to others.
Liberality flows from one’s heart, not pocket or purse. “In great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality . . if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-2/12 NKJV. Giving is not about what you have nor primarily about the size of what you give; it is about your desire and ability to give. You have the capability of liberality if you have the capacity of heart to give.
Liberality is a lifestyle issue. “As you abound in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace (of giving) also.” 2 Corinthians 8:7 NKJV. Generosity is not only about money and things – it is about a lifestyle of bigheartedness in your words to and about others, never failing to encourage, be positive and give praise – a lifestyle of unrestrained expression for others’ kindness – a lifestyle of consideration and thoughtfulness where it would not be expected or required – a lifestyle of helpfulness in giving your time and lending a helping hand – and a lifestyle of tolerance and forgiveness for others’ errors. See Luke 6:37-38 NLT/Ephesians 4:29-32 NKJV.
When you give freely and liberally, you are most like God. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9 NKJV. True liberality is both an expense initially and an investment ultimately. My friend, Des, has often said, “It is not ministry until it costs you something.” I have found that true financially and relationally.
Generosity can and should be practiced by those who have less, as well as by those who have more. “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV. Some measure of a person’s poverty may even be the result of how little they give, rather than how little they have. There are always good reasons to be generous; rarely is there a single reason not to be.
My prayer for you today is that you practice and perfect a Godly munificence.