Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional 20 July 2022
TOPIC: Willingness In Giving
This letter is a follow–up to the first written to the Corinthians as regards the Judean famine relief contribution of 1 Cor. 16:1-3. Here Paul seeks to finalise preparation for the Corinthian church to make a contribution for the poor among the Saints in Jerusalem. He mentioned the churches in Macedonia which are Thessalonica, Philippi and Berea who were passing through a terrible time of persecution and poverty. But despite the severity of their poverty, the Christians there exhibited unexpected joy and generosity.
In the midst of terrible trials and deep poverty, they gave liberally; they gave beyond their ability, willingly! The Macedonians were not motivated by clever offering appeals, but drowned in the joy of giving to relieve the poverty of others while they themselves were utterly poor. Amazing! They did not want to be left out in sharing in the service of the saints and being a blessing to others.
READ: Catholic Daily Reflections, July 20, 2022 – Rich Soil
Today, as Christians, we should understand the grace of God in us and should be ready and willing to give to people as well as the work of mission. Paul pointed to the example of Christ himself in verse 9 and expects us to understand the fact that the need for mission is an unending call.
PRAYER: Lord, please teach us what genuine sacrifice is so that we may become like you through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
