We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift [of money you have given for the Christians in Jerusalem]. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.
We want to be generous in helping others in need, especially those who are part of our Christian family. Generosity reflects how deeply God's loving gifts have touched our hearts. At the same time, those who are entrusted with stewardship to lead in this benevolent giving of funds to bless others must carefully heed the example and call of the Apostle Paul. God's leaders must be circumspect in the way they handle funds contributed by God's people for efforts to bless others in Jesus' name. They must take great "pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men."
My Prayer...
Thank you, Father, for your people who are often very generous to help those in need. Thank you for being generous toward us with your blessings. Thank you for entrusting those blessings to us so we can use them for good. At the same time, dear Father, stir us to deal with the charlatans and money grubbers who masquerade as your servants and steal from you, your people, and the needy who need your blessings. May we, both leaders in charge of such gifts and those who generously give them, be honorable and holy in the sight of all as we use these resources to do your work and generously share your grace. In the name of our Lord and Christ, we pray. Amen.
"[Jesus] went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken..."
"The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children. But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs..."
"There is nothing, indeed, which God will not do for a man who dares to step out upon what seems to be the mist; though as he puts his foot down he finds a rock...."
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