June 18: DOING GOOD TO ALL – Grace in Giving”

The Berean Christians in Act 17:11 were noted for searching the Scriptures to know whether what the disciples, Paul and Silas taught them, was true according to the Scriptures. The Macedonian Churches on the other hand, in the book of second Corinthians, chapter eight, verse one to five were commended by Bro Paul for their rich generosity. First and foremost, the Scripture notes that they were not rich, in fact, the Holy Bible records their state as although being in ”..most severe trial”…and.. “extreme poverty”… only clearly “welled up in rich generosity”. What a beautiful contradiction! A people in severe trial and extreme poverty could give richly. Verse five of our text of the day explains further, they, the Macedonian Church, gave themselves, first to the Lord and then they gave their offering to the disciples of the Lord.

This is a lesson that is worth emphasizing for today’s Christians especially those of us, who have made up our minds, resolved collectively to pursue God’s pleasure! What is your desire in the area of giving? Remember, it is God’s command for us to give and to do good to all… Your next question must be concerned with, “ in what areas am I expected to do good”? Here are some areas to begin with:

⦁ Heart prepared to stand in prayer always – Phil 1:4, Col 1:9.
⦁ Readiness to encourage – 1Thess 5:11
⦁ Sharing of the gospel- – 2 Cor 9:13
⦁ Giving generously – Acts 10:2
⦁ Visitation to those incarcerated – Matt.25:36

The Lord demonstrated caring in humility in Jn13:4-13, then concluded by saying in verse 17, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them”. This is applicable today, here and now.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for your Grace to give. Help me to utilize this grace upon my life in giving myself and my resources, may these be acceptable to you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.