When the emphasis

on loving neighbors is played down, evangelism makes an odd 

breed of disciples. 

  Kindness to others is the mark of a Christian.

 Paul was careful to lay a foundation that included this aspect..

“It doesn't matter how much you have. What matters is how much 

 you are willing to give from what you have.  I am not trying to make 

 life easier for others by making life harder for you. But it is only fair 

 for you to share with them when you have so much, and they 

 have so little. Later, when they have more than enough, and you 

 are in need, they can share with you. Then everyone will have a fair 

 share.”   

 Today the pastor or elder may get over zealous in taking the offering

 emphasizing the needs of his own organization and excluding the poor.

 Paul was dead serious about his emphasis on helping the poor.  

 A representative from a distant church was asked to come see how 

 generous the Corinthians were.  He bragged to others about their 

 generosity then said now we will see first hand that you are, 

 “Won’t we?”

 This was months in the making.  And keep in mind, this was not a general

 appeal for funds. 

The focus was upon the needs of the poor -the victims of famine in

Jerusalem.

The poor were important to Paul.   

So was the integrity of his ministry. May the leaders in our time care as

much as the Apostle did!

When the emphasis on loving neighbors is played down, evangelism 

makes an odd breed of disciples.

Adherents may have burning desire to evangelize but their gospel would

be void of the power and holiness of that early church under Paul’s

guidance.    

Scriptures from 2 Corinthians, chapters 8 and 9. (CEV)

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