1327. They Gave Ungrudgingly

They Gave Ungrudgingly

"Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints" (2Co_8:4).

It seems from this verse that the disciples must have lovingly reproved the Macedonian Christians for overtaxing their pocketbooks, but they insisted with entreaty that the disciples accept their gift and take upon them the ministering to saints.

We remember well how a member of one of our churches down South had never cared for her church. She always said she was "heavy on her feet," and couldn't get to church. Of course, she gave nothing, because she was never there. She ran a large boarding house, and, really, if anyone had an excuse to stay at home, she had one. One day, however, she attended a little prayer meeting which Mrs. Neighbour conducted and while there she yielded herself to God. From that day a new epoch came into her experience. She never missed a prayer meeting, or service on Sunday; and she began to give, until at one of the official board meetings, the treasurer informed the board that this sister was giving far beyond her share–more than was necessary. We told the deacons that we would visit this dear woman and tell her that she need not give so much. We entered her home and after a little visit and prayer, we told her that the deacons felt that she was giving too much. She turned upon us with a look of great surprise and said, "Please don't. Don't tell me to give less. It is such a joy, such a pleasure to give to my Lord." When that woman came to die, she called her pastor to her bedside and said, "I wish I had something I could give to the Lord before I go to meet Him." And then she said, "I have my piano. Would the church accept it as a gift from one who loves the Lord?" This is the kind of giving that we need today, but we will never find it among carnal Christians.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR