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Joy Comes From Generosity, Acts 20:35

There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” Acts 20:35 (GNT) When it comes to generosity, one of the best ways to learn is from the examples of others. The Bible offers another great model of generosity: the church in Macedonia. Here’s what the Paul said about them: “We want you to know what God’s grace has accomplished in the churches in Macedonia. They have been severely tested by the troubles they went through; but their joy was so great that they were extremely generous in their giving, even though they are very poor” (2 Corinthians 8:1-2 GNT). Notice how the church in Macedonia had their own problems to deal with. They were “severely tested” because they lived during the Roman Empire, when Nero was emperor. It was a time when being a Christian could lead to a death sentence. The Macedonians were not only being persecuted for their faith, but they were also extremely poor and maybe in need of financial assistance themselves. But because “their joy was so great,” their difficult circumstances didn’t stop them from being “extremely generous in their giving.” They didn’t give out of duty or obligation. They gave out of joy. The Bible says, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving” (Acts 20:35 GNT). Maybe you find yourself giving out of pressure or compulsion—and you’re miserable. Try this instead: Give out of joy, knowing that God is always generous in providing for your needs. After all, he’s already given you the greatest gift of all, the gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ.

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