Click here to go to 2 Corinthians 8
The church in Jerusalem was struggling in many ways including financially. The churches in Macedonia gave sacrificially and Paul is encouraging the church in Corinth to give as well. I'm grateful I attend a church where we are encouraged to support missionaries from our denomination as well as church plants. But I don't think I really give sacrificially. Food for thought.
Blessings,
Holly
"12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have."
ReplyDeleteI really like this verse. So, I can say, "I can't give much because my house is small and run down, my husband is in poor health and the medical bills are piling up, the carpet is threadbare, the computer is slow, the cars keep breaking down."
Or, I can say, "I give what I can of my money and time eagerly because of all the many blessings in my life. My good health, my steady job, my wonderful children, my house with a good roof, my life-long friends, my church that fills my spirit, the beautiful river that flows near my home....etc, etc."
2 Corinthians 8 (The Voice)
ReplyDelete9 You know the grace that has come to us through our Lord Jesus the Anointed. He set aside His infinite riches and was born into the lowest circumstance so that you may gain great riches through His humble poverty.
We have received our restoration with Him!
13-15 The objective is not to go under so others will have some relief; the objective is to use this opportunity today to supply their needs out of your abundance. One day it may be the other way around, and they will need to supply your needs from what they have. That's equality. As it is written, "The one who gathered plenty didn't have more than he needed; the one who gathered little didn't have less."
Deuteronomy 16
17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you.
Philippians 4:15-20
19-20 Know this: my God will also fill every need you have according to His glorious riches in Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King. So may our God and Father be glorified forever and ever. Amen.