By
Tina Tobo
PSLC, BL, Ph.D.
... the ultimate law is love.
So let each one give as he or she purposes in his or her heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. God is able to make all grace abound toward us, that we, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. It is written in Scriptures that: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." The righteousness of God ensures that we have what God requires that we give. God is faithful. God tests us but would not test us beyond our ability. God Himself supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, so that we have what to give, use to multiply and what to eat ourselves. Our prayer should be that God in His infinite love supplies and multiplies the seeds we have sown and still sow, and increase the fruits of our righteousness. For while we are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God, in our administration of this service to supply the needs of the saints, we are causing thanksgivings to be made to God. Through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of our confession to the gospel of Christ, and for our liberal sharing with them and all men. For in pursuing love we obey God, in obeying God we confess that we are truly Christians, as Christians we reach out to all in different ways. After all pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. Beloved, we do faithfully whatever we do for all in the Body of Christ and for strangers. For these would bear witness of our love before the church and ages to come. More so, when we send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, we will do well. Need I remind you of Abraham and the angels? or Elijah and the woman of Zarephath? or Elisha and the Shunamite woman? or even Lot and the angels? and all others who through their giving have sent forth with resources those who trust in the Lord God. Note that the generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. So pursue love and be the one who scatters, yet increases more; and one who has dispersed abroad, and has given to the poor; for his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be exalted with honor. This is not so for the one who withholds more than is right, which eventually leads to poverty. He or she who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he or she gives of his or her bread to the poor. So pursue love.
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