What is sacrificial giving? The early congregations of Macedonia set the pace for other first-century churches. They gave not only what they were able, but even beyond their ability (2 Cor. 8:3).

Stanford Kelly, a missionary to Haiti, provides a 20th-century example of that kind of generosity. After taking an offering in the little congregation where he served, Kelly found a gift of $13. That was the equivalent of one month's wages. The gift surprised him every bit as much as a $5,000 check would startle a pastor in a wealthier nation.

The extraordinary gift prompted Kelly to search out the giver, who was a farmer. When he questioned the man about his gift, the peasant was reluctant to answer. Kelly probed until he discovered that the man had sold his horse, even though the animal helped provide the man's livelihood. Kelly asked, "Why didn't you come to church to give the gift yourself?" The farmer replied, "Because I had no shirt to wear."

None of us can match the Lord's standard of giving. He gave up everything He had to bring us redemption. Keep that in mind as you prayerfully plan to give to God's work. How does your giving compare to God's giving standard?  — Haddon W. Robinson