| 2 Corinthians 8:10-15 ...or if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." Paul repeatedly explained the importance of benevolent work to the Corinthian church. This church has really been blessed, not only in spiritual gifts, but also in material needs. Therefore, Paul taught them that they must supply for what others need, which is a principle of equality. This principle doesn't need to be dictated by any organization or system, but it's simply based on the Holy Spirit's prompting in the hearts of the disciples and their own willingness. Not only does the Holy Spirit know everyone's needs, He also prompts brothers and sisters to fulfill the needs of others through prayer, emotional or material support. In fact, if there's anyone in the church who's needs are not met, it's only because someone did not follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit and thus created a gap. The gap might be caused by our lack of sensitivity towards to Holy Spirit, or lack of teaching on this area which resulted in brothers and sisters not fully familiar with the principles for living in God's family. In his book "Daring to Live on the Edge," Loren Cunningham talked about how the students at YWAM training center always brought their needs for tuition before God and waited upon Him before a semester begins. God's Spirit will always work among the students to meet each other's needs. One time, God's Spirit prompted one teacher to give another teacher a hundred dollars, but he was puzzled because he'd usually give money to the students; the teacher who received the money was excited and said: "Praise the Lord! God prompted me to give a hundred dollars to a student, but I don't have money and don't know what to do, so God actually provided for the student through prompting me and you!" This kind of testimony can also happen in our lives! When you are willing to exercise your faith, you'd find that Christian life is no longer borings, but it's full of surprises, because you'll discover that God's really working among us! Pray with Pastor Tong Liu 
Lord, please give you brothers and sisters the conviction to live by faith. When they ask you by faith, you will provide them for all their needs. When they give by faith, your love will flow through the hearts of brothers and sisters. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen! |
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