Today’s scripture: 2 Cor 8:16-24 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Terri Brown):
This passage speaks of pride in giving. I hesitate to use those terms, as many of us who are givers are not boastful and pride often has the connotation of haughtiness and one of the seven deadly sins. But, in this passage, I hear Paul asking the Corinthians something I ask of myself and others on a daily basis. Paul speaks to the Corinthians in this letter as a trusted group of people to whom he sends Titus and another “brother” not mentioned by name but who is just as important to the discipleship and the spreading of the Word.
In GOD’S WORD translation, verses 18 and 19 of this letter state: “With him (Titus) we have sent our Christian brother whom all the churches praise for the way he tells the Good News. More than that, the churches elected him to travel with us and bring this gift of God’s kindness.” From what I understand of this time period, Paul is most likely talking about one of the original apostles. But bringing this message to present day and applying this to my life, I better relate how my work and life in general impact others and see myself as someone who is welcomed in a community, either because of my position on the job, a neighborhood I live in, or other organization to which I belong as places where I may give. And in that giving I am an example of the disciples of the past who travelled near and far and spread the Good News to many people in many lands. None of them saw this as a burden but as a way of life.
Today we are asked to do the same. Especially as people who live in a time when prayer is being taken out of schools and crosses are being taken out of public places. Paul trusted that the Corinthians would support the mission and help Titus and the others help spread the news. We listen to messages at church, throughout the week, and read our Bibles, even this “Be Still and Know,” to help us discern the message and be able to talk to others and act in a way that demonstrates our love of Christ. In this we can be proud of who we are and what we accomplish — no matter the size or worth of our giving.
The Corinthians gave and supported the mission with goods. They were wealthy by most standards and established. Some of us are asked to give generously to support not just our church, our denomination, or Christians. We are asked to give as we see a need. Some of us give through our talents and abilities. Paul, Titus, and many of the apostles spoke skillfully and did miraculous deeds. Some of us are able to use our talents to glorify the Lord through singing, dancing, speaking, using our hands, applying our knowledge of machines or technology, etc. And some of us are teachers. We instruct those who desire to learn more. We educate those who thirst for knowledge, who want to understand more about God, love, the truth, and the Word.
Thought for the day: So take pride in your gifts. And, like Paul and Titus, go into the community, your workplace, your neighborhood, or wherever God takes you and proudly use your gifts to help make this world a better place in God’s name.
We are “representative of the church and bring glory to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 8:23
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.