We make all sorts of choices throughout the day. Some hum-drum, like what to eat for breakfast, and others exciting, like what to order at a new restaurant. Occasionally a decision arises of real importance, and a few prove life-altering.

Paul praised a group of openhanded givers who contributed far beyond their slender means. Their generosity resulted from a transformational decision:

They exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

These followers of Jesus first decided to give their lives to the Lord. Fully bought in, they then joined Paul and his band to undergird the mission of spreading the amazing news of Jesus far and wide.

After their choice to give their full selves to God, the angst of donating faded. Paul described them as filled with overflowing joy despite their extreme poverty.

This choice lies before me today. The giving of my resources certainly helps those in need, but the Lord can provide resources from a breath. He first wants me and you to give ourselves to Him—every bit of us—and from there anything can happen.

2 Corinthians 8 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Florian Schmetz