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18 July 2008
Word on the Web
2 Corinthians 8:1-7
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace God gave the churches in Macedonia. They have been tested by great troubles, and they are very poor. But they gave much because of their great joy. I can tell you that they gave as much as they were able and even more than they could afford. No one told them to do it. But they begged and pleaded with us to let them share in this service for God's people. And they gave in a way we did not expect: They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us. This is what God wants. So we asked Titus to help you finish this special work of grace since he is the one who started it. You are rich in everything - in faith, in speaking, in knowledge, in truly wanting to help, and in the love you learned from us. In the same way, be strong also in the grace of giving.
Even when tested with hardships and challenges the churches in Macedonia still gave, sometimes more than they could afford, because of their joy.
In life, people without many material possessions are often rich in other ways; faith, joy and happiness, these are some of the fruits of the spirit (outlined in Galatians 5:22) that we should try to work into our everyday life.
Many people depend heavily on money and believe it is everything; those people are rich in money terms but may be poor when it comes to life. Those without money, such as African tribes whose basic needs are not met (for example the lack of clean water) are often found singing and dancing being happy and joyful, these people are rich in a way people with money are not.
Joy is a very important quality to have and we should rejoice in our situation, although there are people better off than we are, there are also so many more much worse off.
Financial contributions to Christian organisations are important to keep them afloat however, if you cannot give financially, serve God and his people in other ways through your talents and experience and prayer.
Lord, we pray for those in difficult situations, especially those who still manage to be filled with joy. Please help this joy to expand out over the world and open the eyes of people who focus heavily on money, help us understand that there are much more important things to life than money. We ask that you help everyone to be filled with happiness and joy whatever their situation. Amen
Written by Claire Coleman
Word on the Web
2 Corinthians 8:1-7
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace God gave the churches in Macedonia. They have been tested by great troubles, and they are very poor. But they gave much because of their great joy. I can tell you that they gave as much as they were able and even more than they could afford. No one told them to do it. But they begged and pleaded with us to let them share in this service for God's people. And they gave in a way we did not expect: They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us. This is what God wants. So we asked Titus to help you finish this special work of grace since he is the one who started it. You are rich in everything - in faith, in speaking, in knowledge, in truly wanting to help, and in the love you learned from us. In the same way, be strong also in the grace of giving.
Even when tested with hardships and challenges the churches in Macedonia still gave, sometimes more than they could afford, because of their joy.
In life, people without many material possessions are often rich in other ways; faith, joy and happiness, these are some of the fruits of the spirit (outlined in Galatians 5:22) that we should try to work into our everyday life.
Many people depend heavily on money and believe it is everything; those people are rich in money terms but may be poor when it comes to life. Those without money, such as African tribes whose basic needs are not met (for example the lack of clean water) are often found singing and dancing being happy and joyful, these people are rich in a way people with money are not.
Joy is a very important quality to have and we should rejoice in our situation, although there are people better off than we are, there are also so many more much worse off.
Financial contributions to Christian organisations are important to keep them afloat however, if you cannot give financially, serve God and his people in other ways through your talents and experience and prayer.
Lord, we pray for those in difficult situations, especially those who still manage to be filled with joy. Please help this joy to expand out over the world and open the eyes of people who focus heavily on money, help us understand that there are much more important things to life than money. We ask that you help everyone to be filled with happiness and joy whatever their situation. Amen
Written by Claire Coleman
