Monday Thought -- August 20, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.” (1 Corinthians 16:1-3)

The church in Judea was experiencing difficulty. Famine and persecution had taken its toll on the Christians and they needed help from other churches outside their area. Paul had already mentioned their need to the Corinthians and the Corinthians had already expressed their willingness and desire to help. Now, Paul gives some practical instructions about how the giving was to be done. What he shared was a pattern he had already told other churches, at least those in Galatia.

They were to give regularly, the first day of every week. That would have been the regular meeting time of the church and they were to use that time to bring their gifts for the Jerusalem church.

They were to give proportionately, each giving in keeping with his income. It was not equal gifts that Paul was encouraging, as though there were dues for being a part of the church. Those who had a great deal should give a great deal and those who have little should give little. Every one giving as God has prospered them, that was the principle.

They were to give without being pressured to do so. In fact, Paul didn’t even want any offerings to be taken while he was with them. As an apostle, he carried a great deal of persuasion. But he didn’t want their giving to come by the force of his persuasion. He wanted it to come willingly from their own compassion for the needs of others.

This passage, and others like it, set a precedent for the church in one area of the world helping the church in another area when difficulty strikes. It speaks of Christians with a world view. It speaks of Christians who aren’t just concerned about themselves and their own backyard. It speaks of the love of Christ put into practical action.

His, by Grace,

Steve