Romans 15:22–27 (ESV) —
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.
NOTE: Twice in the passage, Paul makes mention of giving. The first is his expectation to be helped along after a visit. The second is the ongoing project to collect money for the poor in Jerusalem. Ultimately, he will end up in prison as a result of this trip to Jerusalem. It was a good thing, but God had plans to use it differently than Paul might have imagined. To Paul, giving was a natural part of being a believer in Christ. I think giving has been one of the most exciting parts of my ministries over the years. God has done far more than I would have ever expected allowing me to minister to many different missionaries. A healthy giving program is a good indicator of true faith -- it is not a work, but an outgrowth of faith. If you give because you have to, then you do not understand giving, and you may not have been born again.
PONDER:
- Do I give because I have to or because I want to?
- Do I give more than what is required? By that, I mean if you are giving to a requirement (like a tithe), you do not understand Christian giving.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for the years of abundance. In retirement, things have not been abundant, but there are still great opportunities to give. Thank you!
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