God’s Renewing Word of Unity in Christ Jesus
Introduction
2 Corinthians 8:16-24: In today’s reading, Paul explains that Titus is in charge of the collection, and that he and another follower of Jesus will come to encourage the Corinthians to give generously.
Scripture Reading
Titus and His Companions
16How we thank God for making Titus as eager as we are to help you! 17Not only did he welcome our request; he was so eager to help that of his own free will he decided to go to you. 18With him we are sending the brother who is highly respected in all the churches for his work in preaching the gospel. 19And besides that, he has been chosen and appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this service of love for the sake of the Lord’s glory and in order to show that we want to help.
20We are being careful not to stir up any complaints about the way we handle this generous gift. 21 Our purpose is to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of others.
22So we are sending our brother with them; we have tested him many times and found him always very eager to help. And now that he has so much confidence in you, he is all the more eager to help. 23As for Titus, he is my partner and works with me to help you; as for the other brothers who are going with him, they represent the churches and bring glory to Christ. 24Show your love to them, so that all the churches will be sure of it and know that we are right in boasting about you.
Today’s Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 8:21
Our purpose is to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of others.
Reflect
What challenge does Paul present to the Corinthians (verse 24)? In what ways does today’s reading speak to communities of faith today?
Pray
Lord God, teach me to show your love to others by reaching out to those in need and sharing my resources and reflecting your grace. Amen.
And now, join us in giving thanks to God for the impact of audio Bible listening groups. We praise you, Lord God, for efforts to share the power of Scripture in Nigeria and across West Africa through audio Bible listening groups. Thank you that, through this endeavor, hurting and traumatized people receive healing in their lives through the power of your life-saving Word. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
2 Corinthians 9:1-15: The apostle Paul continues to encourage the Corinthians to give generously.