1-4Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you'll have it ready, and I won't have to make a special appeal. Then after I arrive, I'll write letters authorizing whomever you delegate, and send them off to Jerusalem to deliver your gift. If you think it best that I go along, I'll be glad to travel with them. (The Message)
Here in this passage is a nugget of truth about giving that is often times glossed over. Paul encourages the people to set aside their giving each Sunday so that they will have what is needed when the time comes for them to give. This is important because unless we set aside what we are going to give we end up giving what we have left and it often times is enough to ease our guilt but usually not enough to meet the real need. Paul is saying set aside what you can an a regular basis so when you are faced with giving to a real need you will be able to do so joyously and without a second thought.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What do you think Paul meant by, "be as generous as you can?"
- Do you set aside money to give to the pressing needs of others? Why or why not?
- What is keeping you from being a generous giver?
- What might you begin doing today so that you might be more joyous in your giving?
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