Generosity
1 Corinthians 16:1-4
1 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.
Paul gives some very practical advise on giving. A financial gift is being sent to the saints in Jerusalem who are in need. Paul advises to put a little aside from what they earn each week, this way the gift will be larger than if they give only what they can spare on the day that the collection is taken, it is also giving them a focus outside their own needs – to give to other Saints.
This is smart advice, I actually feel better about giving when I can give more rather than less, this also gives me a focus outside my own need and that of my local church – to give to other Saints that are in need.
Father, thank you that your heart has always been generosity, a characteristic that we are also to inherit and pass on. I pray that I would always be ready to give and not be caught short, when needs arise.
Written by Suzie Hodgson