Saturday 30 January, 2021

16 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Here Paul is instructing the church on regular giving towards the “relief offering” for other believers.  He encourages the church to give EACH Sunday an offering to the poor in other churches.  “Be as generous as you can”, Paul says.   I don’t believe this is a tithe but an offering to help other churches and Christians.

This year, during COVID our church has sent over $30,000 to India and Nepal to assist our churches in helping people in these nations.  Many people are day workers (so no regular and continuing salary, no sick leave, no holiday pay, etc), so if they don’t work – they don’t get any money to help feed their families.  It was wonderful to watch the churches in action (through videos).  Feeding people with meals and giving groceries.  Feeding and praying with people as they journey to their home villages.  What an opportunity to be Christ to their “neighbours”.

We are part of something so much larger than ourselves.  What a blessing to live in Australia – but what a responsibility to share with others what we have and has been entrusted to us.

Lord we ask that you would continue to bring opportunities to us whereby we can help others.  We thank you that your love is displayed in us when we give.  Lead us Lord to always be generous.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta