Deep Deep 7

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. (2 Corinthians 8:1-7 KJV)

According to NASCAR, the definition of "drafting" is:
The aerodynamic effect that allows two or more cars traveling nose-to-tail to run faster than a single car. When one car follows closely, the one in front cuts through the air, providing less resistance for the car in back.
In a race, every car is absolutely separate - separate motors, wheels, drivers, frames, everything. Except when one is drafting off of another; then they drive together.

Today you will read about a group of people called the Macedonians. They loved Paul so much that they sacrificed and gave to encourage and support him. We need to show love to the body of Christ. Each of us, as a Christian, is a part of the body of Christ. We have a special connection to other Christians. In life, we often hurt those we love the most. Have you ever lashed out in anger at a family member? Have they ever lashed out in anger at you? Many times, we hurt our church family with our selfishness or harsh words. Sometimes we hurt them with our indifference or cliques. We must learn to cherish and show love to our brothers and sisters in Christ, like the Macedonians showed their love to Paul. In the world, people expect common courtesy. In the church, we should expect uncommon courtesy. The Bible teaches that God is love (1 John 4:16). As his children, we should love each other in a way that is extraordinary. Jesus said that when we love each other like that, the world will know that we follow him.

Take a few minutes and ask God how you can encourage another believer today.