God’s Saving Word: Spiritual Renewal
Introduction
2 Corinthians 8:16-24: In today’s reading, the apostle Paul explains that his co-worker Titus will oversee 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
16 How we thank God for making Titus as eager as we are to help you! 17 Not only did he welcome our request; he was so eager to help that of his own free will he decided to go to you. 18 With him we are sending the brother who is highly respected in all the churches for his work in preaching the gospel. 19 And 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.
20 We 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.
22 So 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. 23 As 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. 24 Show 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 Scripture reading speak to communities of faith today?
Pray
Lord God, teach me to show your love to others. Help me reach out to those in need and share my resources and reflect your grace. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
2 Corinthians 9:1-15: The apostle Paul continues to encourage the Corinthians to give generously.