ROMANS 15:27

“For they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to do them a service also in material things.”

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, I have always enjoyed giving to others. I wish I had a million dollars to give away. Don’t you? Think of the people or ministries you could bless with an unexpected gift. I have some very generous supporters who give sacrificially to our ministry. I am always exceedingly grateful for their gifts. It doesn’t matter the amount. It’s the thought of them believing in us. I thank them each time I receive a gift, but “thank you” is never enough.

Paul continues to express his appreciation to the churches who gave to support the saints in Jerusalem. I really like that he writes “they were pleased” to give. Don’t you know those churches loved that they were able to give to those who had helped them receive the gift of the Gospel? I bet they would have loved to have been with Paul when he delivered the gift. They didn’t have zoom or FaceTime back then to see the expressions on their faces. I am sure Paul let them know the gift was delivered.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 9:11 Paul urged the church in Corinth to be a part of this when he wrote, “If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” And undoubtedly, from Paul’s words in today’s verse, they willingly contributed. This was just one church. We don’t know the amount they all gave. That doesn’t matter. The fact they gave speaks loudly.

I just got off the phone with one of my supporters who has been a part of my ministry partners since I started with my current ministry. He and his wife have been so faithful through the past few years. I thanked him again for his gift and wanted him to know just how much it means to me. I have the luxury of phone calls to express that. Our material blessings can mean the difference in a ministry continuing or not. Let me encourage you, if you are giving to a ministry, to reach out and check on them. I am sure they have great stories to share.

1 Corinthians 9:6-7 comes to mind. “6 Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Be a cheerful giver and receive the Lord’s blessings for your obedience.

Thank You, Lord, for those who support my ministry and for the ability I have to also give to those in need.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis).