2 Corinthians 8:7-9 – “But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”
In a definite time of need, the apostle Paul could have asserted his authority and demanded the Corinthian Christians give more money to help the Christian cause, but instead he used a much more effective approach. Paul calls for the Corinthians to examine their spiritual relationship with God and their fellow Christians, and then make their move. He used the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Christ as an example for the Corinthians to consider and evaluate against their own giving. I encourage you to do the same.
Before you decide what to give in the year 2016 read II Corinthians 8 & 9. Pray for God to touch your heart the way He did the Macedonians. Then, in a sacrificial spirit of love for the lost, for the needy children, for people in the community who have needs, and for your brothers and sisters, do all you can to help support the great works the elders and deacons have chosen. God will bless you as you give yourself to Him.
. . .Mike