The Bible is filled with exhortations to trust God, and our faith is made evident through our actions. What may seem a very inconvenient time might provide a great opportunity to make good on our "good" intentions. God never promises believers a life of ease and convenience but that He will supply all our needs according to His grace.
I was reminded of this as I continue to read through 2 Corinthians. In chapter 8 Paul told the Corinthian church about the churches in Macedonia, how they were afflicted and in poverty but gave generously to help meet the needs of others in the church who were struggling. The previous year the Corinthians expressed their desire to give, and though they had far greater resources to draw upon than the Macedonians they never fulfilled their intentions. After using the Macedonian church as an example, Paul wrote to the members of the church in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 8:7-8: "But as you abound in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others."
The church in Corinth had abundant faith in Jesus, boldness to speak, great knowledge of the truth, were diligent in ministry, and demonstrated love for the saints, yet their giving to those in need lagged behind. Paul, in a gentle and courteous way, encouraged them to focus on this area of weakness in their walk. What I appreciate is how Paul did not start comparing the Macedonians with the Corinthians, using guilt or shame to manipulate them to financial giving, but he reminded them about what Jesus had done for them in 2 Corinthians 8:9: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." Giving would be an expression of their love of God, acknowledged their Saviour Jesus Christ who gave all for them, and followed His example. Through giving to meet practical needs their love flourished--not that they would be burdened and others eased--but so their abundance could supply what others lacked.
How fitting is this exhortation to the church today, and when I say church I mean the individual members of the Body of Christ. May the love of God flourish through us as we give to meet the needs of others in what seems to be the season to stockpile; to supply generous provision instead of hoarding for ourselves. I exhort you, believer, to seek the LORD's guidance and follow His directives to reach out today to at least one person you know: a friend, family member, neighbour, or fellow Christian. Ask them how they are faring, if they have any pressing needs, and consider how the LORD would lead you to contribute. The LORD can use countless means to accomplish His good purposes and reveal His love and grace to others, yet it is amazing and awesome He chooses to use us to practically demonstrate His love. It may not seem the most convenient time to give, but today is always the ideal day to cause the love of God to flourish through giving by faith in God.
I was reminded of this as I continue to read through 2 Corinthians. In chapter 8 Paul told the Corinthian church about the churches in Macedonia, how they were afflicted and in poverty but gave generously to help meet the needs of others in the church who were struggling. The previous year the Corinthians expressed their desire to give, and though they had far greater resources to draw upon than the Macedonians they never fulfilled their intentions. After using the Macedonian church as an example, Paul wrote to the members of the church in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 8:7-8: "But as you abound in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others."
The church in Corinth had abundant faith in Jesus, boldness to speak, great knowledge of the truth, were diligent in ministry, and demonstrated love for the saints, yet their giving to those in need lagged behind. Paul, in a gentle and courteous way, encouraged them to focus on this area of weakness in their walk. What I appreciate is how Paul did not start comparing the Macedonians with the Corinthians, using guilt or shame to manipulate them to financial giving, but he reminded them about what Jesus had done for them in 2 Corinthians 8:9: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." Giving would be an expression of their love of God, acknowledged their Saviour Jesus Christ who gave all for them, and followed His example. Through giving to meet practical needs their love flourished--not that they would be burdened and others eased--but so their abundance could supply what others lacked.
How fitting is this exhortation to the church today, and when I say church I mean the individual members of the Body of Christ. May the love of God flourish through us as we give to meet the needs of others in what seems to be the season to stockpile; to supply generous provision instead of hoarding for ourselves. I exhort you, believer, to seek the LORD's guidance and follow His directives to reach out today to at least one person you know: a friend, family member, neighbour, or fellow Christian. Ask them how they are faring, if they have any pressing needs, and consider how the LORD would lead you to contribute. The LORD can use countless means to accomplish His good purposes and reveal His love and grace to others, yet it is amazing and awesome He chooses to use us to practically demonstrate His love. It may not seem the most convenient time to give, but today is always the ideal day to cause the love of God to flourish through giving by faith in God.
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