Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- What attribute of God was lived out through the churches in Macedonia?
- How did the gifts of the Macedonian churches compare to what was hoped for?
- What was their first action?
Reflect
The Apostle Paul was a church planter, which meant he was always raising funds. In the process, though, Paul never simply asked the early believers to give to something. He invited them to give from something – from a heart that was changed by God. The only way the Macedonian believers could express God’s kindness with such profound impact was because “their first action was to give themselves to the Lord.” Then by the will of God, they gave to the church.
Generosity is a matter of the heart. As our financial resources flow into and out of our lives (via paychecks and expenses), our hearts are shaped for better or worse. It’s so easy to give ourselves first of all to our budgets, savings accounts, Amazon Prime accounts, or the fear mongers predicting economic doom on the horizon. But God is calling us to give ourselves first to Him.
If you’re not sure where to begin, start by engaging with God. Pray prayers that are so deep and significant, you share things with Him that you’ve never shared before. Study His Word, and engage with His people in ways that stretch you, challenge you, and grow you. This is how you give yourself to Him first. And as you do, He’ll show you exactly how He’s asking you to respond through generosity.
Respond
- Where or how have you seen God’s kindness in your life? How do you think others see His kindness through you?
- In your life, what would you say you give yourself to first? What reasons keep you from giving yourself first to God?
- In your current life circumstances, what does it look like to engage with God? As you consider this Awaken season and what He might be asking of you in terms of generosity, what steps can you take to engage with Him on it?
As you process these questions, use page 77 of your Awaken Guidebook to jot down any key reflections or next steps. Be sure to bring your guidebook to your group! Page 78 is a great place to write down things that you want to process together.