Do Everything In Love

God is a god of connection and He often points us to helping one another in His Church. This morning there was a radio broadcast talking about the church in China and the amazing things God is doing there. The hosts spoke of a willingness and excitement for the gospel in China, not without opposition though. The hosts of the broadcast spoke of the need to support the church in China both fiscally and with sound doctrine to keep the church following after Jesus alone. How appropriate that 1 Corinthians ends with Paul addressing the church in Corinth with a similar message, one of spiritual and fiscal support of our brothers and sisters. This message today goes to show that God’s Word is living active and so applicable in our lives today.

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 

14 Do everything in love.

“The terms in this verse are all military: Watch ye, watch, and be continually on your guard, lest you be surprised by your enemies . . . Stand fast in the faith – Keep in your ranks; do not be disorderly; be determined to keep your ranks unbroken; keep closetogether . . . Quit yourselves like men (a.k.a.BE BRAVE)– When you are attacked, do not flinch; maintain your ground; resist; press forward; strike home; keep compact; conquer . . . Be strong – If one company or division be opposed by too great a force of the enemy, strengthen that division, and maintain your position . . . summon up all your courage, sustain each other; fear not, for fear will enervate you.” (Clarke)

In Chapter 16 Paul addresses the question the church in Corinth had about collecting, the Greek word Logia, money for the saints in need in Jerusalem. Logia is actually an “extra collection” leaving me to believe this was probably a giving amount above what the norm was. Paul is charging one church to come along side another who is in need so that they may sustain each other.

What are the things that keep us from giving sometimes?

Is it fear we don’t have enough money?

God says we can trust Him in this and Paul instructs us to give proportionally. 

Is it fear the money won’t go to the truly needy?

Some general principles from the Bible for supporting the poor in the church:

i. Benevolence distribution is a potential source of conflict and division, and it is the job of deacons to prevent such problems by their wise, Spirit-led actions (Acts 6:1-7).

ii. The church has an obligation to help the truly needy (James 1:27).

iii. The church must discern who the truly needy are (1 Timothy 5:3).

iv. If one can work to support himself, he is not truly needy and must provide for his own needs (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:11).

v. If one can be supported by their family, he is not truly needy and should not be supported by the church (1 Timothy 5:3-4).

vi. Those who are supported by the church must make some return to the church body (1 Timothy 5:5, 5:10).

vii. It is right for the church to examine moral conduct before giving support (1 Timothy 5:9-13).

viii. The support of the church should be for the most basic necessities of living (1 Timothy 6:8). (Enduringword.com)

Father God thank you for reminding us today how very blessed we are. We have a spiritual family and are united in Christ Jesus! Help us to be on our guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong and do everything in love. Where we have fallen short penetrate our hearts with your battering ram of revelation and forgive us. May we give to others who need it with joy knowing that You love a cheerful giver. In Jesus’ mighty name!

Love,

Lisa & Kendrick