"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God:'
2 Corinthians 9:12
"We make a
living by what
we get, but we
make a life by
what we give."
Sir Winston Churchill
"You can give
without loving.
But you cannot
love without
giving."
Amy Carmichael
whether buying bread or petrol, let alone a house.
This makes it perhaps more important, as well as
more difficult, to think about how the Bible views
giving, especially giving that expresses relationships
within the Body of Christ.
I'm humbled every time I realise that so many are determined
not to be diverted from their generosity. I'm challenged when
I recognise that the same economic realities are affecting
our brothers and sisters in the Persecuted Church, even as
the tide of persecution is rising.
Isn't it fascinating that the Bible includes an appeal letter
from the Apostle Paul? The church in Jerusalem is right in the
middle of a famine; Paul wants the church in Corinth to give
generously—and he finds himself thinking about Jesus.
Because Jesus is the ultimate example of generosity:
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though he was rich, for your sakes he became poor..." (2 Corinthians 8:9)
They knew this not just as a fact. This was the knowledge
of experience. They knew it because their lives had been changed by it.
It was devastatingly simple. What God had done for them,
they should do for others; what God had given to them,
they should share with others. It wasn't a command or
a burden, but a spiritual gift to be used in a thoughtful,
organised and highly-disciplined way. In I Corinthians 16:2
Paul outlines a simple pattern for Christian giving,
still relevant today.
response; it should be regular (on the first day of every week);
shared in by all (each one of you); planned and systematic
(should set aside a sum of money); proportional (
in keeping with your income).
This was giving for people far away, unseen. Paul knew that
the Christians in Corinth had never met the Christians in Jerusalem.
What's more, they were of a different nationality, a different
cultural background. In fact, they had nothing in common... except
that they belonged to the same family.
Every day we know that our family across the world has needs to be met.
It is on their behalf that we share Paul's longing that every
single follower of Jesus should make the family relationship
real, knowing they belong to each other because they belong
to Jesus.
Paul received begging letters. Letters from churches begging
him for the privilege of being part of this process
(2 Corinthians 8:4) It is still a privilege.
Our calling at Open Doors is to be a link to—and for
the Persecuted Church, so that we can all give and receive
, and grow the heart of love that is the essence of true fellowship.
Open-hearted, openhanded.
Eddie Lyle
CEO Open Doors UK & Ireland