“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality.” (2 Corinthians 8:12-14 NIV84)

The Christian Church gets a lot of flack at times. Because we are an organization of sinful people, the enemy likes to publicize our indiscretions and wrongdoings. But behind all that noise, the Christian Church quietly lives out a beautiful image of its Creator. Like our Heavenly Father, the Christian Church is a selflessly giving entity. When bad things happen, anywhere in the world, the Christian Church responds by pouring time, talents, and treasures to meet the needs. And I can almost guarantee you that the Christian Church remains in the area meeting needs long after the news media and others have left. I personally have witnessed this to be true in the years after the earthquake in Haiti. The Christian Church is still there doing what it does best.

It is a beautiful aspect of the Church because of how naturally it occurs. Christians understand that what they have is not their own. They know that everything comes from God, and everything will be left behind once we go to Heaven. So in the meantime, we are compelled to share the blessings we have received from God with others around us. This giving spirit is a natural byproduct of the work that the Holy Spirit does in us. Just as God has freely given to us His grace and mercy to meet our needs, we give to those around us who are in need.

Dear Christian, today, take pride in the giving spirit that the Lord has placed in your heart!

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church