Historically, as seen in many studies, people with lower incomes give a higher percentage of their income to charity, even though wealthier individuals donate significantly more in absolute dollar amounts.

Rich or poor, I’m always impressed with generous givers. I spend time on college campuses and notice building after building named after wealthy benefactors. But I also see people of limited means freely share what little they possess.

Paul wrote in praise of a group of churches in Macedonia who participated in a special fund-raising effort:

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.

It’s stunning to read of a set of people, themselves afflicted and impoverished, giving so generously. They gave of their means, and then beyond their means, to create a swelling of wealth.

These Macedonians gave not to impress, but to serve the Lord and their fellow followers of Jesus. Thanks to their own poverty they understood the gnawing worry of paying the rent and feeding their kids. From heartfelt faith—loving their Lord their God and loving their neighbors as themselves—sprang the relief fund Paul carried south.

Whether I have a little or a lot, I’m encouraged to give generously. I try to give of my labor, influence, finances and expertise. But I especially need to give financially, and I need to feel it. Give something away and it stops controlling you.

Funny to think that these poor Macedonians didn’t give to be remembered or get their names on a building. Yet after all these years we honor them. If I give myself to the Lord and follow his will in giving, I may not see my name carved in stone, but a great deal of good will carry through this world.

2 Corinthians 8:2-5

Photo by Annie Spratt