Daily Devotional for Monday, August 25

Paul’s Collection

“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come,” 1 Corinthians 16:2.

Mutual love and care between God’s people are an evident token of true discipleship. This love is shown by ministering to one another and giving in times of need. The apostle John wrote, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:17). Love is action. I have seen the Lord’s churches act quickly in desperate situations, generously giving to help sister churches and individuals alike. It has always touched me deeply to see such love and compassion among the brethren.

The church in Jerusalem was in a dire situation and needed help from their brothers and sisters. Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to take up a collection as other churches had done, prior to his arrival. He specifically instructed the members to personally put aside, as the Lord had prospered them, on the first day of the week. Once Paul arrived, the collection would be ready, and the church was to approve one from the membership to carry the funds to Jerusalem. In every way, Paul sought to remain above reproach with the collection received for God’s glory.

When we give our tithes and offerings generously and cheerfully, this pleases the Lord. Not only do we help our own church body, but we aid the church in giving to others in need. Your tithe or ten percent should always be the top priority because it all belongs to the Lord (Proverbs 3:9). But you do not need to stop there! Offerings beyond that will be blessed beyond measure (Malachi 3:10). You can never out give God.

REFLECTION

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Darla Goodrum