Thursday, June 13, 2019 -
The ministry of giving to our fellow believers who have genuine need is something God expects from all of us. The topic of our finances, or money, supposedly is the most common theme throughout Scripture. Many of Christ’s parables dealt with it. II Corinthians chapter 9 describes the churches in Macedonia, though in deep poverty themselves, begged to help their fellow saints in need (II Cor. 8:4). Their generosity was called liberal and beyond their ability. He apparently said this to encourage the Corinthians, that their abundance be a supply for those in want, and that those others who have abundance supply those in Corinth who have want, so that there be greater equality (II Cor. 8:13-15). For this is the proof of our love (II Cor. 8:24). Then, in chapter nine, Paul spends two-thirds of the chapter discussing the necessity and blessings that come from helping our brethren in need. He encourages them to give “bountifully” and not allow covetousness to influence how much they give to bless others, “for he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (II Cor. 9:5-6). Don’t give grudgingly or out of compulsion, he warns, “for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7). The end result: “You may have an abundance for every good deed” (II Cor. 9:10-11). Our obedience in this aspect of our lives, fully supplying our brothers and sisters in Christ, will result in great thanksgiving to the Lord and prayer on our behalf (II Cor. 9:11-14). We should never neglect to satisfy a need of a brother or sister in the Lord when we have the wherewithal to meet that need! Proverbs says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you” (Proverbs 3:27-28). This means when you see a need, do not hesitate, act immediately!