Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Strength and Compassion”
Our Bible verse for today: “I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability, they begged us insistently for the privilege of sharing in the ministry of the saints.” 2 Corinthians 8:3-4 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Strength and compassion will result in generosity.”
This morning I want to return to the subject we explored in yesterday’s devotional message about our understanding of wealth and possessions and how that corresponds to strength and compassion.
In 2 Corinthians chapter 8 the Apostle Paul wrote about the sterling example of the Christians in the church in Macedonia. They were going through severe times of trials and testing of their own but even so, individually and as a church they gave a large and very generous offering to help other Christians in other places who were enduring even worse times. Paul said that their giving was according to their ability and even beyond their ability. In other words, they gave sacrificially.
This was a great example of strength and compassion demonstrated financially through generous and sacrificial giving. Sadly this kind of giving is often missing in today’s church. A recent study published in “Relevant” magazine reported that:
“Only 10 to 25 percent of the typical American congregation tithes (that is, gives the biblical starting point of 10 percent) to church, the poor, and Kingdom causes.” The report went on to say that, “If the remaining 75 to 90 percent of American Christians began to tithe regularly, then global hunger, starvation, and death from preventable disease could be relieved within five years. Additionally, illiteracy could be eliminated, the world’s water and sanitation issues could be solved, all overseas mission work could be fully funded, and over $100 billion per year would be left over for additional ministry.”
Think for a moment about how much stronger our churches would be if all American Christians obeyed the Biblical command to tithe. Think about how much additional compassionate ministry could be conducted in the Name of Jesus and for the sake of His Kingdom.
We lose so much in terms of strength and compassion by clinging to what we have and by striving to acquire even more, instead of giving freely and generously to God’s Kingdom-building work. The way God has chosen to finance His work here on earth is through the faithful giving of His people.
The strength of the church, and the amount of compassionate benevolent ministry the church can accomplish in the world, is directly related to your generosity and mine.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 