I Corinthians 16 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
How can we combat the selfishness to which are all prone? Establish a new pattern of generosity. The Gentile churches were collecting a gift to take to the struggling church in Judea - as an act of brotherly love, and as a thank you gift for sending them Paul and others to share with them the Gospel of Christ. The church at Corinth, due to their self-centered focus, was not responding as well as many of the other churches, so Paul challenges them. Sometimes, we're just not "feeling it." Such giving does not come naturally, so Paul exhorts them to make it a consistent part of their week and lives, and trust God to do something within them to help them see that "where our treasure is, there our heart is also." When we trust Him and give, then see what He does, He teaches us to let go and trust Him more. He also wants us to realize how important a sense of community and brotherly love within the Body of Christ is, and that it is the only way that we will grow spiritually individually. Sooo. Give away! Let God work. See what He will do.
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