Extreme

"Their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity," 2 Corinthians 8:2.

And so has it ever been with the people of Christ. Despite severe tests of affliction, his church abounds in joy! And dipping into that wellspring of abundant joy his congregation continues to overflow with generosity. Despite hard times his people continue to share beyond their means in order to help other brothers and sisters in even worse shape. And how do they do this? That is, how do they continue to share what little they may have? Well, first off, they give themselves - their very heart, soul, mind, strength - to the Lord. That's how they do this. And then, by God's will, they give themselves to others. Acts of grace. A different way to live. Not of this world. Sky kingdom.

Celebrating God's grace with a brother or sister today we share in the joy of Jesus' salvation. And, leaning in together, beyond this moment's severe affliction, joy wells up to praise God for the hope of Christ.