2 Corinthians 9:11-13
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
God has made us rich in order for us to give generously. In this materialistic society, we often emphasize blessings and prosperity. But the principle of the Bible is that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Because when you give, your heart begins to understand God's heart. God's love is in your heart and can bring joy to your giving. Secondly when you give, you can supply the needs of God's people. God's blessings flow out through you so that you can take part in God's work. This is so precious. Perhaps you and I do not understand the importance of this matter, but if you understand that God will reward us according to our work, you will be filled with joy when you serve.
Jesus gave this parable about the judgment day when God will separate the sheep and the goats. To the sheep on the right he will say, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me,(I) I was in prison and you came to visit me." Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The King will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Hence, when we give, we are giving unto the Lord. When you are thinking, I wish the Lord could come to my house for dinner. In reality, when you entertain brothers and sisters at our house, we are doing it unto the Lord and He will be our reward.
Lastly, when we do that, God will be glorified in our midst. Because when we speak about love, the world does not see our love, but when we give, they will understand "love" in real action, and start to feel God's grace and give glory to God. Brothers and sisters, are you willing to start to follow God's Word today?
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord Jesus, we thank you because you have given us all kinds of blessings, so that we lack nothing. Lord, help us to be sensitive to the needs of others, and give according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, so that your name may be glorified. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!
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