Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

2 Corinthians 8:16-21

I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.

Titus is a man with a caring and merciful heart. Not only did he care about Paul's needs, he also conveyed to Paul concern from the Corinthian church. Also, he went to the Corinthian church on behalf of Paul and encouraged them. Considering the constraints in transportation, he had to pay a hefty price to fulfill his mission, which showed that Titus was willing to go the extra mile. We should follow the example of Titus. When we are helping others we often think that we are doing too much, and sometimes we might even feel that we're just doing a thankless job. In verse twenty, Paul said that "We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift." Actually, Paul did not collect the offerings for himself, but some people criticized them for the gift. Both Titus and Paul understood that they were serving God, thus they could overlook the criticism and judgment from others. They solely focused on God, so they could continue to work on what God entrusted them with.

Are there people in need around you? Sometimes a quick phone call can bring help and comfort to others, and practical assistance can go even further. Many years ago, when church building was been remodeled, the license of our contractor, who's a good brother in the Lord, was suspended by the government because they had owed money. When the building committee heard what happened, one brothers immediately wrote a check to the contractor for paying off his debt so that his license could be reinstated. Because of this experience, the contractor's spiritual life was renewed, he continue to come to church and kept a positive relationship with the church.

Brothers and sisters, may the Lord help us so that our love is not just lip service, but in practical action. Are you willing to be such a channel of love? May the Lord help you to do it starting today!

Pray with Pastor Tong

Lord, we ask that you make us learn from Titus so we may help others often. May the love of the Lord flow through us, make us a channel of love so that people around us may receive practical help. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!