Giving out of our lack

https://odb.org/2026/06/08/reciprocal-generosity

Philippians 4:10–19 (NIV): 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Matt’s selfless, loving act illustrates how one person’s abilities and resources can supply the needs of another person or group. Paul highlights the beauty of such reciprocal generosity in his letter to the Philippians. The believers in Philippi had shared in his “troubles” and “sent . . . aid more than once when [he] was in need” (Philippians 4:14, 16). Having received their gifts, Paul recognized that God had provided amply for his needs.

Our willingness to share with one another is often the conduit of God’s provision in our lives. Sometimes we’re in a position to give of our time, talent, or treasure; other times we’re in need ourselves and must rely on the support of another. Through His Spirit working in us, our gifts are “pleasing to God” and a manifestation of our shared life in the body of Christ (v. 18). (Kirsten Holmberg, Our Daily Bread 8th June 2026)

The church in Macedonia received high praise from Paul. Not only were the Macedonians quick to respond to his needs, in this case they were the only church to do so (Philippians 4:15). Additionally he notes, “You sent me aid more than once when I was in need” (v. 16). Indeed, in 2 Corinthians 8, the apostle pointed to the economically poor Macedonian church as an example for the wealthy church in Corinth (vv. 1-2). This is the context in which the apostle writes, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). As God provides for us today, we can in turn give to others. (Tim Gustafson, Insight, Our Daily Bread 8th June 2026)

The well-known example of the church in Macedonia giving out of their lack is a goal that every believer should aspire to. Although it is not something sustainable to be done on a regular basis, we should all be mindful of the spiritual principle that we may still give and bless despite not having much. The logic is that we could deprive ourselves of certain things or indulgences in order to make that blessing.

But we need to be careful of our motivation. Are we doing it to prove that we could still give and bless out of our lack? Or are we testing whether the gates of heaven will open because of our giving? In my view, both motivations are misconceived as we should only respond in this manner if prompted by the Holy Spirit. It is OK if we are doubtful whether we heard correctly as exercising faith is a life-long learning process. Just do it if we are prompted although we may not be 100% sure. We will get better at hearing as we respond in faith more and more.

The gates of heaven may or may not open for us here on earth but what’s certain is that more will be credited in our heavenly account as Paul highlighted in Philippians 4: 17 – “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” When we give and bless out of our lack, we are storing riches in heaven as I believe that every good deed contributes towards our heavenly treasures. The things we do for God in response, particularly, to His calling and plans and purposes for our lives will all contribute to our heavenly account. It is worth every effort expanded as unlike treasures on earth that we can’t bring across when we pass or where moth and rust may destroy, our heavenly treasures will last for all eternity.

Have a good week, everyone! It’s back to the grind after the long break. The schools have reopened and the traffic snarl will return with parents and students doing the school run and in Malaysia, the weather is so hot nowadays! Life goes on. But remember, Jesus is there to walk with us in our journey of life with the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whispering words of encouragement to prompt us to do the right thing all the time!