NOV 29

2 Corinthians 8:8-14
Memorise James 4:17
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not…”

As the Apostle Paul writes, a willing mind is the first and foremost prerequisite in giving. God does not require you to give what you do not have. Having a willing mind, give according to what you do have. Being worried and unduly burdened will not make you more spiritual. Suffering for suffering’s sake is not the purpose of giving. However, if you have an abundance now, give to supply others who are presently in need, as was the case of the Corinthian church to the churches in Jerusalem.

Our problem, more often than not, is not that we have nothing to give. Rather, it is that we have an unwilling mind to give. We survey all we have and then concludes: No, I do not have extra. I do not have every single thing my heart desires, the latest fashion, clothes, books, phone, computer etc. I do not have enough savings stored away for tomorrow, and the day after and so on. We rationalise that only when we have every “need” and “sufficient” savings stored away, then will we be able to give. With such a mindset, we will never think that we have enough, and we will never have a willing mind to give.

The Macedonian churches gave, so that they may have spiritual blessings today and eternal reward in Heaven. Their concern was not about their immediate material needs here in this world. They saw the need of their brethren in Jerusalem, and selflessly gave, with little regard for their own luxuries and comforts.

I once asked a Christian sister who was of humble and modest means whether she worried about her finances and her future. Her reply, in essence: “I worry when I have too much in my bank account, and so I need to spend it for God’s work!” What a rebuke it was to me of little faith in God and love for Him!

Thought: What happened to the Israelites’ attempts to store away manna for another day? If you hoard your abundance today, do you think God should supply your needs through others in your time of need?
Prayer: May I have a willing mind.