For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favour of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

“A lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God’s.” – Tim Keller

Here is the heart posture that lay behind the almost impossible giving of the Macedonians, and which will overflow in generous giving among Christians today. It is all a matter of Who comes ”first”. We are talking priorities here. First and foremost these believers were the Lord’s. But then there was an overflowing of this primary commitment to others.

It has been said that the secret of joy is:

Jesus first;

Others second;

Yourself last…

…and the Macedonians definitely had J.O.Y!