Those of us in the CLC family who have traveled on short term terms mission trips to Latin America, sub Saharan Africa, Romania or elsewhere, know that the poor can be more generous with what they have than middle class Americans. There always seems to be a place at the table for others in the homes of the poor even though the supply of food is limited.
Read again these very beautiful phrases from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians regarding the poor in the Macedonian churches of Philippi, Thessalonika and Berea,
“Their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity”
“they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.”
“ Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints”
When they heard about the need in the Jerusalem church, they wanted in on helping them. . .even to the point of “giving beyond their ability.” Imagine that! They gave “beyond their ability”
Lord grace each of us with the same generous heart with which you graced the Macedonians.
This makes me think of the number of times that I give below my ability when I'm really thinking that it is above my ability. What do I have that isn't the Lord's? Nothing.
ReplyDeleteI first heard of tithing when I was in the process of being Born Again. I perceived this woman crazy" for tithing, because she had very limited resources.
ReplyDeleteAfter I started to tithe, I had an experience where my funds were short and I debated about not writing the check. Well, I wrote it anyway, and shortly, an insurance check arrived for a long ago claim that I had forgotten about-thought I would never receive. Turns out, the amount of the check and amount of the tithe, were almost the same.
God is Good!!!
I was once in Taipai for business over a weekend and found a church with services in both Chinese and English. I took a taxi across the city, which cost about $40. At the fellowship time after the service I met several wonderful believers, many quite poor. A young couple insisted on driving me back to my hotel - but they were obviously poor, their car didn't need the extra miles and fuel was expensive. They would not accept any help with the cost - overflowing with love and generosity, they represented what the Body of Christ is all about. Their blessing to me was not just the ride, it was their example.
ReplyDelete"They gave themselves FIRST to the LORD" has to be the foundation of every Christian's beliefs and deeds. Until this is done, you have to wonder if all is not simply "wood, hay and straw".
ReplyDeleteA number of sentences from Prodigal God make the case stronger. "Our problems arise largely because we don't continually return to the Gospel to work it in and live it out." "The solution to stinginess is a reorientation tot he generosity of Christ in the Gospel, where He poured out His wealth for us." "Reflect on the things that are holding you back from more radical giving."
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