The Overflow

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
2 Corinthians 8:1–5

I love this passage in 2 Corinthians. Paul is sending a letter to the Church at Corinth and telling them of a movement in the early Church of caring for the poor. Paul had started receiving aid for the poor from the Churches in Antioch on Galatia, and the Church in Corinth wanted to be a part of that. Shortly after, the Church in Macedonia requested to do the same. The difference was that the Macedonians were dealing with poverty of their own. Yet, out of their joy and thankfulness, they gave abundantly and were blessed. They even begged for the chance to give to those in need.

Many times, when we think of giving from the overflow, we’re thinking of the overflow of what we have: possessions, earnings, etc. However, the overflow Paul is talking about is the overflow of the heart. The Church in Macedonia had so much gratitude for the grace of God that their joy was overflowing. Even in their poverty, they understood that their physical needs paled in comparison to their need for the grace of God. Their motivation to help others was focused and guided by the Grace of God alone.

This isn’t the only place where Paul talks about the natural response to our joy and gratitude.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4–9


How can you and your family share in the overflow this holiday season? Giving to a food bank? Serving meals at a local soup kitchen or with the Salvation Army? Surprise someone you know who’s fallen on tough times with an anonymous gift?  How can you share the grace of God with others so that they can experience the same joy that we have as Christians?


Take some time right now, and pray a prayer of thankfulness to God for his unbelievable grace. Pray for how you will be the hands and feet of God and share out of the overflow of your heart. Then go out and be that blessing to others.

We are called to practice the things that Christ taught us. As disciples of Jesus, we are given the responsibility to show Christ to others. How will you do that this holiday season?