II Corinthians 11:8 NKJV

I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.

II Corinthians 11:8 NKJV

This is something very important we need to consider and commit as believers in the body of Christ.

Paul is not saying in a literal sense that he stole from other churches in order to minister to them.

Instead, what Paul is saying is that he had to rely on the support of other churches for him to minister to them when they have the means to do so themselves

Some are puffed up, some are humbled to do so, some gave to others when their own ministers have a need and some don't give at all.

Jesus is our example, He is a Giver and giving should be one of our newborn nature in Christ.

As a community of believers, we need to know how to support, encourage and bless the ministers that God has put before us to nurture us.

Paul was speaking to them to take responsibility.

Ministers are to take full responsibility to deliver God's word.

Believers are to take full responsibility to receive and give to support the minister.

This is a basic principle in life. No father in his right mind is going to give to his neighbour his bread when his own son is hungry. But if the father and son are filled, they both can work and provide for the community.

In today's world, everything is has a cost. We are living in denial if we believe that there is no cost involved to be blessed.

The Bible teaches us that we are more blessed when we give than when we receive.

Giving is like opening a stagnant water wall to let the water flow out so that the water that was stored does not turn toxic and that fresh water which is healthy for our body, will flow in.

Giving is the best way to stay wealthy and healthy financially in God's way. This is how we exercise our power over money and not money over us.

Let us honour God in our giving. Let us give our time, efforts and our finances responsibly for the expansion of His kingdom.

Blessings

Ambrose Francis