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“Give Something Meaningful”

Thoughts for Today:

Paul was in Ephesus at the time he finished writing 1 Corinthians, and he had reached the decision that it was time to leave. Acts 19:21 gives us a pretty good idea of Paul's itinerary: "After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia."

However, it did not appear that Paul had made up his mind about whether or not he would travel along with their gift (and the representatives from the Corinthian church) to Jerusalem. Our passage today might also imply he would allow them to accompany him, but only if it was significant. Perhaps Paul understood the financial resources available to the Corinthians. So he knew what kind of a gift they were capable of making. We can take a lot of what Paul said throughout his letter as a series of challenges to the Corinthian church. In this case, to step up and make a meaningful contribution. To give beyond the tithe. Therefore, if he didn't come to visit, or he arrived in Jerusalem without them -- it would signal that they had not lived up to expectations. Their hearts still weren't right.

A lot of people get caught up in the dollar amount of the gift. But that's not what the Bible teaches. Our individual ability to give varies, so the Lord makes allowances. The classic commentary on giving, according to our means, was given by Jesus in Luke 21:1-4: "As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 'Truly I tell you,' he said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'"

I think Paul is addressing this same issue. He's saying, "Come on you guys, I know how wealthy you are, so don't embarrass yourselves by making some insignificant contribution. If you want my support then give something meaningful."

Questions to Ponder:

God loves a cheerful giver -- those who have purposed in their hearts to give and haven't done so out of compulsion or guilt. But that doesn't mean it is wrong to be challenged when it comes to tithing and giving. What is the Lord speaking to you about related to your generosity? How will you respond? Will you accept the challenge? How about right now?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.