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What if I had no compassion for the poor? What if I had no compassion for the lost? What if I grudgingly laboured for Christ only out of duty and self-righteousness? What if my only reason for ministry is to avoid feeling guilty for not doing so? In contrast, what if God put His compassion for the poor and the lost into my heart? My heart would soften. I would rejoice in being the bearer of God’s love. I would be blessed by being a blessing. I would grow in my desire for the lost sheep to come to my Shepherd.

1 Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor,] and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Isaiah 64:6 … we are all as an unclean [thing,] and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Filthy rags, that is the value of our self-righteousness. That sounds more counter productive, rather than a contribution. God does not need your money, but His Face shines on generous hearts. God does not need your ministry, but He allows us the blessing of partnering with Him. What a Partner!

Judges 7:2 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that [are] with thee [are] too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.

Meagre physical assets hinders not God in His work. On the contrary, as in the case of Gideon’s army, numerous earthly resources can detract from God getting the rightful credit in the victory. It is far better to glorify God, so that our faith is strengthened.

2 Corinthians 9:6-12
6 But this [I say,] He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give;] not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things,] may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

Bountiful giving is not merely a measure of the size of the gift. It is a measure of the size of our desire to give. Of course, in some situations, this will result in large gifts, and there is nothing wrong with that. For others, it will be more like the widow’s two mites, also highly regarded by Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

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