“A Generous Gift…!”

“A Generous Gift…!”(II Cor.9:1-6).
There is a tendency to think that city congregations are “category A congregations” that are superior to rural congregations. This is not a fixed truth. It is the same as thinking that all city dwellers are richer than village folks. Let us be reminded that “swampdwellers” are found in cities and not in villages.
During the time of the New Testament Church, a distress call came from Jerusalem – the city of God and the birthplace of the Christian faith. The Christians there had suffered a great famine and were in need of support from all over. The 8th & 9th chapters of Paul’s 2nd letter to the Corinthians addresses the issue of these collections, which the Achaians had started but had not completed.
Paul, as a resource mobiliser for this distress call, had to apply some strategies of resource mobilisation to motivate the Corinthians to help the Jerusalem brethren.
He wrote a letter to prepare them for the next phase of the fundraising. In the letter, he reminded them how they had started the good work with a lot of steam. He praised them for their readiness to give.
A letter may be useful, but it is lightweight when it concerns requesting funds to support a cause. To add weight to the letter, he sent Titus, whom they knew, and who was enthusiastic about the project. Titus was to be accompanied by another brother who was praised by all the churches and who was their travelling companion. This brother was chosen to accompany them as they carried the offering, which they administer in order to honour the Lord. This is a measure of accountability. Without proper accountability, givers are demotivated. Paul made this clearer: “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men”(8:16-21).
Lastly, it was necessary for Titus and the brother to go as avant-garde so as to “finish the arrangements for the generous gift they had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.”
And hear is the crux of the matter: Christian giving should be generous giving. However, a lot of groundwork preparation has to be done; including, praise, cajoling, and explanation on the necessity for the issue at stake. Lastly, there should be measures for proper accountability, which proves beyond reasonable doubt that the resources served the purpose for which it was intended. In this case, it was to help distressed believers in the city of Jerusalem.
May I take this opportunity to thank all those who made contributions for us to build a house for Ba Nelson Gwanbomuga. Since we brought him to the house, about one year ago, I am the one feeding him daily, and he has been to the hospital four times. If you think you can still support, you are most welcome. Shalom!
Prayer of the day and week: Holy Spirit, inspire us daily to be ready to support services that glorify the LORD’S name. Amen!
Welcome back to a new working day and week! Have a blessed working day and week! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
21/07/2025.