2 Corinthians 8:1-2 *Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia*.
Macedonian churches were poor yet generous. Despite their hardship and poverty, they insisted on giving relief to the brethren in Jerusalem. It was not convenient yet they gave.
Verse two of the opening test says, *"They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity"*.
The Macedonian believers are examples of what true Christian giving is about. They were not forced neither were they coerced into parting with their monies. They loved God and saw a genuine cause worth supporting and they did even by stretching themselves.
Verse 3&4 says, *"For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. [4] They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem*".
The true test of generosity is when you give despite not having plenty. Those who wait for abundance don't give even when abundance comes because it hasn't been part of their custom to do so.
Some have always said, "when God bless me, I will support missions and missionaries". Hearing people make such promises sometimes shows their good heart but lack understanding about generous giving.
If you have to wait for abundance before you give, many things that little giving here and here can do will remain undone. Also, God is not asking for your "big" giving. He is always asking for what you have.
*His demand is always for things within our reach not things out of reach*.
Further, true givers don't wait for plenty before giving. Those who promise to give when abundance comes often do not give because it has not been part of their life's culture.
Oh how we need more of generous givers in the body of Christ today. Those who will not be coerced before giving but have come to understand that giving to the Lord and His kingdom is part of their spiritual worship.