The Daily Fountain Devotional Monday, August 22, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Monday, August 22, 2022
Monday, August 22,2022
TOPIC: CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 8:10-24
10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. 18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; 19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: 21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. 23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. 24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Monday, August 22, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
The Achaians had determined a year before the writing of this letter to make a contribution for the famine victims of Judea. It is possible that some people had discouraged them from carrying through on their promise. Therefore, Paul encouraged them to carry out their intentions to make the contribution and thus remain in fellowship with the global church. He also urged them to contribute from a ready and willing mind according to the ability which the Lord had given them; that abundance should not prevail on one hand, while poverty ruled on the other; but that there should be equality (vv. 11-14). Paul mentioned equality to let the people understand that, it is not in God's plan for any member of the household of faith to live in poverty. So, those who receive the aid should not think they are relieved of their responsibility. They should also give according to their capacity.
As Christians, it is important we know that apart from advancing Christ's kingdom among the unbelievers, care for fellow Christians should also be our priority. The welfare and satisfaction of our co-labourer should also form part of our ministry, in our case specifically, those affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, the internally displaced brethren, those whose businesses are suffering setbacks due to the emergence of the corona virus pandemic, the unemployed, those suffering from one ailment or the other and others whose conditions we know are to be cared for under our ministry.
Prayer: Lord, creak' in me the heart that cares.