There are many benefits to giving financially to the work of the Lord. You become a fellow partner in service to God with those on the front-line, who preach the gospel or directly help the poor. God also promises to supply seed to the sower and multiply it.
The churches of Macedonia begged Paul and his team for the privilege of helping meet the financial need of the saints in Jerusalem (2 Cor 8:1–5).
“… begging us earnestly for the favour of taking part in the relief of the saints …” 2 Corinthians 8:4 (ESV)
What I have not thought much about, though, is in the next chapter of 2 Corinthians:
“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11-12 (ESV)
Have you ever thought about that before? Your gifts to the needy cause an overflowing of many thanksgivings to God. This is an additional spiritual outcome on top of the immediate need it addresses (food, rent, travel costs, Bibles, etc.). What a blessing it is for the giver to have knowledge of this! To know that when you give, you are causing someone else to give thanks to God—that is special.
To give financially to saints in need is to give glory to God through the thanksgiving of others.
There are many ways to give to the work of the Lord and those in need. Principally, I believe one should give to their local church of fellowship, but one can also sponsor a child, sponsor a missionary or give to many other Christian ministries, charities and organisations. Maybe God wants you to give to the need of a individual you know. Listen to what God puts on your heart.
See 2 Corinthians 9:6–10. Happy giving! :)
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| “Thank You, God!” |
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