Give With a Voluntary Heart
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 16:1-12 (NASB)
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. 3 When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; 4 and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
5 But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia; 6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; 9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am. 11 So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.
12 But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.
SUMMARY
Paul is finishing his letter in chapter 16. He talks about the money collection to help the church in a difficult situation in Jerusalem and discusses his future visiting plan. He also encourages people to welcome Timothy when he stops by Corinth church in the future.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Paul talks about his heart for poor Christians in Jerusalem and encourages people to give with a voluntary heart. Paul teaches to practice love by providing financial aid to the church that was under financial strains. It is really sad to hear that a lot of missionary families are going through financial difficulties and losing sponsorships during the pandemic. I used to love giving without any hesitation, but since I am not working currently, it has been much harder to give with a voluntary heart. This is probably because I am anxious about my finances in the future, and perhaps that I can’t put one hundred percent trust in God. Paul talks about putting aside and saving money to give regardless if we are rich or poor.
APPLICATION
This passage encourages me to give to the Lord and use my resources in a way that pleases the Lord. Since I am not able to give financially right now, I want to spend time praying for the missionaries out there, including the Lim family who recently left for missionary training to Kona, Hawaii.
PRAYER
Father God, I thank you for who you are and for giving me the daily bread through QT today. I thank you for this message about giving with a voluntary heart, and I ask you that you would fill me with the Holy Spirit to give more willingly. I pray that you use me to manage the resources you have given me in a way that pleases to you, Lord. Also, I pray that you would be with the Lim family, as they have to be self-quarantined for the next 2 weeks, and they will begin virtual DTS sessions with 2 kids. Would you continue to protect them next five months, and fill them with your Holy Spirit, love, and peace.
Please share your personal meditations on this Scripture passage with the HolyWave community in the comments section below. (We reserve the right to moderate comments.)