“Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:1-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are times when we need to assist our fellow believers. The Corinthian believers were enjoying financial prosperity while the saints in Jerusalem were struggling to survive. The Corinthian church, as well as all of the other known churches that had been established, had a direct connection to the church in Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the mother church of them all. From Jerusalem had come all of the original believers. The gospel was now spreading to the known world. There were no denominations. There was only one church. They cared for one another. There were no electronic money transfers or instantaneous transactions that could take care of such needs. The offerings had to be collected systematically and then entrusted into the hands of trustworthy believers to insure the safe, accurate, delivery of the funds collected. Paul was even willing to travel with this select group to insure it's proper handling. The collection must have been sizable. This would tempt unstable men and attract thieves. There were no armored vehicles. This was dangerous and extremely important business. This should help us realize how deeply the early believers truly loved God and each other. May God help us be sensitive to the needs of others, especially our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Galatians 6:2 and 10 says it like this: “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” ‭‭“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” NLT

In I John 3:17 we are told: “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” NLT‬‬

We must always be willing to care for and assist our fellow brothers and sisters who are suffering!

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, help me see the world through your eyes. Help me discern the needs of others and respond as you would.