2 Corinthians 9:1-11
Giving is always an important part of Christian duty. There is always need for it, because God’s cause ever requires assistance, and “ye have the poor always with you,” thus calling for charity on their behalf.
Paul was writing to the Corinthian Christians concerning the collection to be taken among the Macedonian churches for the relief of the Christians at Jerusalem, many of whom seem to have been in need. He gave this message: “Touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you.” It was superfluous because they had already made the promise, and there should be no need of reminding Christians of their promises. There should always be love enough in the heart to prompt to this duty without any reminder, more than knowledge of the needs. If we hear that any other Christian is suffering, our sympathy should go out toward him, and wherever there is true sympathy there is always a desire to help. Christians are all one family, children of the one Father. When, therefore, one suffers all should feel the pain and desire to give relief. In nature, when one branch of a tree is bruised or injured, all the other branches send a part of their vitality to help to heal the wound. So it should be among the branches on the great vine. Besides, every suffering Christian represents Christ himself, for he said the kindness we show to the least of his brethren we show to him. The other side of this truth is that when we neglect to show needed kindness we are neglecting Christ.
“Hush, I pray you!
What if this friend should happen to be—God?”
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