Passage Read: 2 Corinthians 8-9
Meditation Verses: 9:13-14
Thought
There is a connection between our faith in the gospel of Christ and our generosity toward brothers in need. Because we believe the gospel, we shift our confidence and hope to the age to come rather than this age. We do not want to store up treasure here and now, but then and there. We do not need so much stuff here and now, but we desire to have a better resurrection when that time comes. We know that supporting the needs of the saints blesses the heart of God, and He remembers our generosity and will repay it in when He comes to reign. It also draws our hearts together with those saints we serve, and draws their heart together with us who aid them. They yearn for us, even if they don't know us, because of their gratitude to us and because of the proof of their union with us in Christ by the grace given us to help them.
Application
How I use my money shows the depth and reality of my faith in Jesus Christ. If I give much gladly, willingly, it shows that I do trust in Jesus and His coming kingdom and His promise to reward. If I give sparingly and spend much on myself, it shows I still trust more in this world and this life than in the life promised by the Gospel. It is not a matter of actual amount. Jesus doesn't expect me to give what I don't have, but the Macedonians gave beyond their ability and despite their extreme poverty. It is more a calculation of all I have and what portion I spend on myself and my family, and what portion I give to the Lord for His service and the aid of my brothers in Christ. I can cut back on many things I might enjoy for myself so that I can give more to others. And the more I do so, the more it shows the genuineness of my hope in eternity, my faith in Christ and the grace of God working in me.