Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you'll have it ready, and I won't have to make a special appeal.
I get the impression, when reading from Corinthians, that the early church practiced a very sweet
The reading for today we find Paul, still collecting money to help the Christians in Jerusalem who were suffering from poverty and famine. I can't imagine what it might be like to experience a famine. In fact, I don't think I have ever been truly hungry. I have never suffered with stomach pains nor cried out for nourishment. For that I am thankful.
Paul traveled to the churches he established and taught them to give. He explained the needs their fellow Believers had and showed them how to help. When we realize just how often Scripture teaches us to give to those who need help, or preaches about the need to tithe, we can begin to see how important it is to be generous.
Generosity doesn't end when we share our money. There is another commodity equally treasured and that is our time and our attention. For some it is easier to write out a check than to give up an hour or two each week to come alongside someone. Discipleship includes sharing of ourselves, not only our possessions.
How is God prompting today? How are we preparing to respond?
1 Corinthians 16:1-8
