December 11 | 2 Corinthians 9:1-2

“For about the ministry to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you, for I know your eager enthusiasm, which I boast about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been ready since last year, and your zeal provoked the majority of them.” (2 Corinthians 9:1–2)

God melts my heart for the needs of other believers. I especially have a soft heart for missionaries. In my denomination they must receive their funds from churches and Christians to go overseas. Without the generosity of other Christians their calling and ministry would be hampered tremendously.

Paul takes up an offering for the Jerusalem church because they have fallen on incredibly hard circumstances. Without the generosity of Gentile Christians around the Roman Empire they may not have made it.

But Paul was very careful in how he asked all the churches to give. In one sense he uses friendly competition to remind these Christians of the need and their duty to give. But he doesn’t go so far as to demand it as an apostle.

You should not need someone to remind you of your duty as a Christian to give or manipulate you to give. When you hear the need, that should be more than enough. But you must have discernment because there are many needs around the world.

Action Step: Listen to the Spirit as you give to the needs all around you. Give to Christians who are in need. Listen to those around you to hear who is in need.

Jesus, make my heart hurt for brothers and sisters in need around the world. Give me Your discernment to give to the needs You place before me. I want to honor You by giving to Your ministry.