"Sharing a Piece of Our Life"2 Corinthians 8:4
Entirely on their own they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the LordÕs people.
Thoughts for Today:In our passage today, Paul expresses a reluctance to accept a gift from the financially struggling church at Philippi. Yet, they urgently pleaded with him for the privilege of doing so. It seems the Philippians knew that if their treasure went to their brothers in Jerusalem their hearts would be with them as well. (Matthew 6:21: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.")
We know the northern churches gave both generously and consistently. It's also clear they did so regardless of the strain upon their own budgets. Why? Because they discovered the unity of fellowship with other believers is most often produced when we are willing to open our checkbooks to meet a specific need. Think about it, when we give a check to a brother, sister or ministry -- we're actually giving a part of ourselves. We're taking a piece of our life and sharing it with someone in need. This is the most practical way we have of sacrificially "laying down our life" for others. And it happens as a result of giving financially.
Questions to Ponder:Have you been sharing a piece of your life with brothers or sisters in need? Will you do so now?
Entirely on their own they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the LordÕs people.
Thoughts for Today:In our passage today, Paul expresses a reluctance to accept a gift from the financially struggling church at Philippi. Yet, they urgently pleaded with him for the privilege of doing so. It seems the Philippians knew that if their treasure went to their brothers in Jerusalem their hearts would be with them as well. (Matthew 6:21: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.")
We know the northern churches gave both generously and consistently. It's also clear they did so regardless of the strain upon their own budgets. Why? Because they discovered the unity of fellowship with other believers is most often produced when we are willing to open our checkbooks to meet a specific need. Think about it, when we give a check to a brother, sister or ministry -- we're actually giving a part of ourselves. We're taking a piece of our life and sharing it with someone in need. This is the most practical way we have of sacrificially "laying down our life" for others. And it happens as a result of giving financially.
Questions to Ponder:Have you been sharing a piece of your life with brothers or sisters in need? Will you do so now?
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