2 Corinthians 8:5

“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”

Context:The book of 2 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. In this particular chapter, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to fulfill their commitment to contribute to the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. He uses the example of the Macedonian churches as an inspiration for their generosity.

Giving of Themselves:In this verse, Paul commends the Macedonian believers for their sacrificial giving. He emphasises that they didn’t give out of obligation or duty, but they first gave themselves to the Lord. This implies that their act of giving was an expression of their devotion and surrender to God.

Surrender to the Lord:The Macedonian believers’ act of giving was not merely financial; it originated from a heart that had surrendered itself fully to the Lord. Their commitment to God preceded their willingness to contribute to the offering. True giving begins with offering ourselves to God completely, acknowledging His lordship over our lives.

Submission to God’s Will:The Macedonians also gave themselves to Paul and his ministry “by the will of God.” Their support for Paul’s work was in alignment with God’s purpose. They recognised that their giving was not solely about meeting a need or helping a person but was an act of obedience to God’s will.

Lessons for Believers:This verse teaches us several important lessons:

• a. True giving is rooted in a surrendered heart and a personal commitment to God.
• b. Our giving should be an outpouring of our devotion to God, rather than a mere obligation.
• c. Generosity flows from a deep understanding of God’s will and a willingness to align ourselves with it.
• d. Giving should extend beyond financial resources to include the offering of our time, talents, and support for God’s work.

Application:As believers, we can apply this verse to our lives by:

• Cultivating a heart of surrender to God, recognising His lordship over our lives.
• Offering ourselves fully to God, allowing Him to guide and direct our actions.
• Seeking God’s will in our giving and supporting ministries and causes that align with His purposes.
• Understanding that giving encompasses more than finances, including our time, talents, and resources.

Remember, the passage in 2 Corinthians 8:5 encourages us to give ourselves first to the Lord and then to others. It reminds us that true giving is an act of worship and an expression of our devotion to God.