Day 341

Giving to the Cause of Christ

Read: 2 Corinthians 6-10

Paul was a great missionary and theologian; he was also a great fund-raiser. Christians in Jerusalem are starving, and Paul seeks to raise funds to help them. After speaking about his feelings for them, he tells them of this need. They are in Achaia (southern Greece). He tells them of the generosity of the Christians in Macedonia (northern Greece). He sees this fund as an opportunity for the Corinthian Christians to show that they love Christ as much as do the Macedonians. He assures them that safeguards will be taken to ensure the fund will not be misused. He reminds them that God richly blesses those who give generously. When the needy receive the gift, they will glorify God, which is our goal. He concludes with the words “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (9:15). This is to be the final motivation; we are to give to God because of whom he has given us, a gift beyond human description: Jesus Christ!

Today there are so many opportunities to spread the gospel. If we have experienced abundant life through Christ, and we have his love in our hearts, we will want people everywhere to know how to be saved for eternity. We must witness personally. But there are many whom we can only reach through others. One way is through Words of HOPE broadcasts. Let us give generously for the cause of Christ.

PRAYER
Father, give us the grace to express our love through generous giving to proclaim the gospel. In Jesus’ name. Amen.