“Give Beyond Your Ability…!”

“Give Beyond Your Ability…Excel In This Grace Of Giving!”(II Cor.8:1-9).
Christmas season is a time when we are expected to show generousity. Those whom God has blessed with something are encouraged to share with those who do not have.
While we are spending money in Christmas preparations, we sometimes grumble if the pastor asks that we should make a little contribution for the service of God.
We started this online ministry in 2014 and it may surprise you to hear that we have spent not less than 5000000frs CFA on airtime. We have tried to be consistent to make sure that we send out the word of God to you daily.
One time when we asked that you could support us financially for airtime some people grumbled and said that the word of God is not for sale.
We want to thank those friends who from time to time see the need to support this ministry. Few days ago in one of our Njangi groups, I was taken by surprise by a gift from the group. They said their WhatsApp forum have benefited so much from the daily meditations and the gift was the least they could do to buy airtime. Some friends in USA, France, Dubai and here at home have occasionally sent their little support for us to have God’s word daily. We are thankful to you all and to say God will continue to replenish you.
We have launched the building of a manse in my present congregation. Just like in other places, when we ask the christians for support you hear some people grumbling that the church is money-minded. Wherever we are and in whatever we want to do, money must be needed.
We must also note that giving is not from abundance. It is as the spirit leads, because the spirit to give is a gift from the Holy Spirit. Nobody ever became poor because s/he gave. And there is a sense in which givers never lack.
Paul used the giving example of the Macedonian churches to encourage the Corinthian Christians. The example is a lesson for us too. “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generousity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints…they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will…”
What do we learn from the Macedonians?

1. They were facing severe trial. This is to say life must not be smooth with us before we give for the service of others.
2. Despite the trial they were overflowing with joy. The gospel brought them that rest for the weary soul which generates joyfulness.
3. They were in “extreme poverty” but it raised in them “rich generousity.” We must not wait to be rich before we can help others.
4. They did not only give as much as they were able; they gave beyond their ability. Yes, giving makes sense when we give and feel the pain.
5. They even pleaded for that opportunity of sharing. There is joy in sharing.
6. Importantly, “they gave themselves first to the Lord…” The Lord Jesus Christ says we should seek first the kingdom of God and all others will become ours. My friend, give yourself to the Lord and you’ll realise how easy it is to share.
   Like the Corinthians we have been blessed and we excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in” our love for others, but we should also “excel in this grace of giving…”
   Dear friend, it is Christmas time. It is a time of giving. God first gave us his Son. Let us give beyond our abilities, and let us excel in this grace of giving. Nothing is too small to give. Remember, little drops of water can make an ocean.
   Prayer: Holy Spirit endow me with the grace of giving beyond my ability. Amen!
   Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
   Rev Babila Fochang.