16/11/13

Giving unto your brothers and sisters for your sake

2 Corinthians 8:4,5 - Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.


One of the greatest misconceptions among man is that giving unto the needy or for the work of the Kingdom of God is a favour we do, something that puts us as a donor, a benefactor.

God asked us to tithe as a start and it does not end there. Giving is the next stage of tithing and that is why we do not read about tithing in the book of Acts. We as Christians should understand between the donor and recipient the greater benefiter is the donor and not the recipient of the donation. One may think this as one receiving blessing or double from the Lord, No, I am not speaking in that angle.

Today's message says the Church of Macedonia pleaded with the Church of Corinth to receive their donation.

We as Christians should understand it is a great blessing for us to find someone, or a purpose to give to. That does not mean we need to give to anyone that put his or her hand out or everyone who takes the name of the Lord. We are to discern and do according to what the Lord guide us through His Word. Can we give to a terrorist organization and expect good? Or can we give unto a poor unbeliever while we have deprived a poor believer before our eyes?

God tells us to give unto the purpose of His Kingdom, firstly unto His people in need and then unto the others, showing love first and then mercy.

In Matthew 10:42 Jesus says 'whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward'.

Jesus does not say they will receive a reward but says he shall not lose his reward. He also says 'in the name of a disciple' therefore the little ones does not mean little in age but spiritually poor (poverty is a curse). By giving, the giver who sets their eyes on this world may receive more from the Lord in this world and nothing more but those who set their eyes on the Kingdom of Heaven secure their place in the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus we should really thank God when He gives us an opportunity to give since what we give also comes from Him alone.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord, we pray your people have wisdom to understand the importance to give and have wisdom when they give, that they give unto the right purpose and right people. We pray they give, not in hope to receive more, for a person of faith knows You are our provider and You provide...

This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference ]
Matthew 10:40-42
40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Acts 4:32-35
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33 And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34 For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)