What Poor and Persecuted Christians Do

In America, we do not know much about persecution. We may read the voice of the Martyrs newsletter or listen to testimonies of persecuted Christians, but we do not have a great deal of personal experience. In fact, for us, when things go against us, we tend to gripe like crazy.

It is wise, however, for us to learn from others who have been through something worse than we have. So, I want us to consider how one New Testament church responded to a set of hardships.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8 about the actions of the Macedonians in the face of hardships. We know that these Christians had joy in the Lord. But they faced a severe test of affliction—and if Paul calls affliction “severe,” it was severe. The Macedonians also faced extreme poverty.

Now, stop and think. If you are a believer, really consider this. What would you do if you faced a severe test of affliction combined with extreme poverty? What would happen to your joy in Christ? Would you go inward? Would you tell others to leave you alone because you have suffered enough?

2 Corinthians 8:1-4 1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 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. 3 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 favor of taking part in the relief of the saints

What was the outcome of the combination of joy in Christ with affliction and poverty? The Macedonians responded with an abundance of generosity. You see, there were other Christians who were also suffering. These poor and persecuted Macedonians begged Paul to let them give a little something to try to help those in need. The Macedonians were themselves in need, but they pleaded to be allowed to help others.

That, my friends, is what poor and persecuted Christians do. Those who truly know Jesus, who truly have the joy of the Lord, do not go inward when we hurt. Instead, resting on the joy of the Lord, believers in Christ continue to give of themselves for the good of others in the church. We do not hide. We do not close up our walls. We love each other and keep on giving to each other even when it seems that all we have has been taken from us.

May we Christians in America have the kind of joy in Christ and heart for God we see in the Macedonians of 2 Corinthians 8. May we have joy that overflows in love and generosity. May we not go into our shells when we hurt. May we instead glorify Christ and find joy in his glory as we give our very lives for the cause of Christ.