“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 

Ever been in a check-out line at a store, and as you’re paying, the cashier asks you if you’d like to ‘round-up’ to give to a charity?  Whether we do or not, is not the point here, but have we ever thought living our life for Christ in a ‘rounding-up” manner?

We might think, “I’d love to, but look at my bank account.  I can’t give a big generous check or a large donation. My measly $2.00 wouldn’t do anything.” And in that mindset of helplessness, the enemy loves to whisper that what we do have to offer isn’t enough. Rounding up won’t make a difference. Why even bother?

But what if a generous life isn’t limited to writing big checks? What if it looks more like rounding up where we can – offering up our time and energy, speaking words of affirmation, encouragement and prayer, and using our God-given gifts when an opportunity arises?

God doesn’t expect us to change things on our own. Instead, He places us among a body of like-minded people, the Church, who are committed to following Jesus – who is our ultimate example of generosity! Jesus didn’t have a savings account, but He graciously poured out wisdom, healing and love. Jesus “rounded up” whenever He could and inspired others to do the same.

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 is a prime example of round-up lives in action. Here, the Apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthians by praising the generosity of fellow believers in Macedonia:

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” 

That’s amazing. These Macedonians show us what it looks like when the transforming grace of God turns our deficiency into more than enough. It’s significant that they didn’t let trials or worldly poverty stop them from living generously. Instead, they faithfully gave what they could, and as a result, Scripture memorializes them for their charitable lives, not their lack.

Today, we can do the same – even when our bank accounts may disappoint, or we think we have nothing to offer. We can choose to round up our words of encouragement, intentionally investing into others’ lives. We can imitate Jesus and round up to give forgiveness and grace. We can humbly offer our God-given talents for the good of others.

We need to remember that living a round-up kind of life glorifies God and blesses others. It fills our hearts with joy and inspires those around us. So today, let’s commit to being believers who round up whenever the opportunity arises!