"Their Extreme Poverty Welled Up In Rich Generosity"

Last Sunday we learned that the women of Rebecca Dulo had decided to collect rice, dry goods, and money to help support the needy among them. Although they are all poor living in a depressed community, they wanted to share any small extras they may have to help with anyone's emergencies.

B-- was the first to give a small plastic bag of rice. I was touched by that act of love. Here were people who had nothing but were willing to give. I saw the Macedonian spirit of giving out of their lack. I saw the work of the Holy Spirit teaching them to love each other.

2Cor8.1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to God's people. 5 And they went beyond our expectations; having given themselves first of all to the Lord, they gave themselves by the will of God also to us (TNIV).

It is the testimony of the entire church -- a loving community -- that drew people to Christ, not the testimony of individuals. Acts 2 teaches that.

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