Understanding God's Heart For The PoorSample

Following Through on Good Intentions  

How long do your New Year resolutions last? If you’re like me, not long! I’m not always good at following through on my good intentions. In Paul’s letter, we read how he encouraged the Corinthians to follow through on the wonderful start they made the previous year to support the poor in Jerusalem. 

Sometimes we can feel moved by God to give and yet we fail to do so because we don’t follow through with taking the practical steps of sending our gifts. Are there things you have failed to do that you could act on today?

Paul’s desire was that we would give to meet the needs of others. He used the idea of equality to describe this. Today, the plenty I have might be able to help those in greater need. And one day, when I am struggling, my need will be met by others. 

Reflection

Living in the developed world, even if you have little compared to others, the reality is that you are still in the richest five percent of the world’s population. Giving to the poor should be a natural part of our ongoing giving. Ask God to give you wisdom to know how to give so others won’t suffer.

Prayer

Lord, please would you help me to follow through on the good intentions I have and to give generously to support those in greatest need. Amen.