1 CORINTHIANS 16
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. – 1 Corinthians 16:1-11
1 CORINTHIANS 16 ON CHURCH COLLECTION
Why do we have a collection in the church? When I was a newly born-again Christian, I didn’t understand all these tithes and offerings. That was because I wasn’t encouraged to live the principles taught in the bible. The church I grew up in did not explain these things to its members. We also weren’t encouraged to read the bible and make it our guidelines for living the Christian life. The bible tells us everything we need to understand regarding generosity and caring for one another. In James 1:27, it shows us that pure religion according to God is helping the orphans, the widows and the vulnerable. In other words, those who are unable to live with dignity under their circumstances. God gave his people the responsibility to exercise love by addressing the needs of our sisters and brothers in Christ. In James 2:14-17 he says that faith with no deeds is useless. His example here presents another believer who comes to you with their need for clothes and daily food. He challenges the believer who can exercise their faith by addressing the physical needs of their brother or sister. Otherwise, if they don’t do anything about it and they have the capacity to do so, their faith is futile. It was important that Paul make the Corinthian believers aware of the needs of the church. Generosity towards the poor and needy is the work of the Spirit in us to manifest love towards others especially the vulnerable & weak.
REFLECTION
· Why do you think some people struggle with giving, especially to the poor?
