12-15Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they'll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough! (The Message)
Giving is never a one way street. I'm convinced that those who give with a joyous heart always receive more than than the intended recipient, it just seems to work that way. When I give at the leading of God I'm able to walk away without worrying about how the gift is going to be used. The only thing that matters to me is that I've been faithful to God in my giving. This means that I have to be sure that I'm giving in response to God's leading and not to avoid feeling guilty over my affluence or spending habits. God seems to have wired our hearts to feel positive about doing the right things in assisting others who can benefit by our giving. When we begin to see our giving as an opportunity to participate in praising God there really is no stop to what we are capable of giving.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- How well do you think Paul's appeal to give would have gone over he would have simply stated the need of the poor in Jerusalem?
- Can you recall a time when you experienced great joy by giving? What was special about it?
- Do you give because you want to avoid feeling guilty or because you enjoy giving?
- How might you better align your giving with God's heart for others?
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