THURSDAY January 28, 2021
Remember the Poor
They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
Galatians 2:10
Paul mentioned the poor. Who were they? As we go back historically, after the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), 120 people were baptized with the Holy Spirit. During this time, believers decided to sell lands or property and share the wealth. God added to the Church daily (Acts 2:40-47).
Then there was the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Peter confronted them for their hypocrisy in their giving. They lied about the amount. Peter asked them separately, and individually as to why they had lied. The truth of the matter was they had lied to God and the Holy Spirit. They died because of their sin! Imagine the fear of God that spread throughout the Church (Acts 5).
In the early church, in Jerusalem, there was a great famine, most believers there had nothing––no food. They were poor. Paul spoke in reference of these Christians who were suffering. He took up an offering for them because he wanted to help them.
As Paul went around the churches preaching the Gospel, people willing gave to the Lord to help those in need. The offerings were sent to Jerusalem. Paul never begged for money or wrote letters, he let the Lord lead. In fact Paul set precedence, he labored with his own hands as a tentmaker. He set an example in ministry to others:
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ ” (Acts 20:35).
In what ways can you support the weak among the body of Christ? Are you a giving person or do you keep the Lord’s blessings all for yourself?
If you are not generous with a meager income, you will never be generous with abundance.
~Harold Nye~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!