During the early days of the Church,  when groups of believers were forming throughout the realm of the Roman Empire, the matter of “giving” became an issue within some congregations.  Paul, in his Second Letter to the Corinthians, described “giving” within the more generous of the churches as an act of Grace bestowed by God upon those believers.

Throughout his missionary journeys, Paul collected money for impoverished believers.  He found a need to defend this action to some, however, stating that it was not so that others may be relieved while the giver be hard pressed.  Rather, it was an effort to attain equality.  “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need”.

In those churches that were poor, yet very generous in their giving, the believers were dedicated to Christ, had love for their fellow believers, experienced the joy in helping those in need, and knew that it was simply the good and right thing to do.

How about us?  How well does our giving measure up to the standards set by the early churches?  What is our level of dedication to Christ, our love for fellow believers?  Do we know the joy of helping those in need?  Do we know that it is simply the good and right thing to do?

The Stewardship Committee Rev. Connie Caldwell Rev. Dr. Douglas Brouwer Kathy Craven David Murray Arnold Davis Jim Sabin JoEllen Glade Everett Schuldt Tom Keith Jerry Hanson George Knapp Vic Zarzycki David Kramer