MINISTRY OF GIVING.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. – 1 Corinthians 9:8

It was very obvious to Paul that he was a hardworking servant of the Lord. He was a tentmaker, working so hard for him not to be a burden to anyone. He always mentioned in his writing that he worked/toiled hard day and night for him not to be a burden to anyone. Besides being a tentmaker, he is known well in bringing the good news to every people. He wrote many books in the new testament, whether for churches or as personal letters, his writings and letters are really inspiring to read and give sound doctrine and great instruction on building Christian character and church leadership.

That is why I highly respect how he boldly teaches about giving. In the way I read and understand his letter to the Corinthians, he commended the generosity of the people in the Corinthian church. Knowing Paul worked hard to not be a burden to anyone, he has this kind of strong conviction commending people’s generosity and urging people to keep on giving generously. This idea blew my mind. At first glance, I sense some irony - if he doesn’t want to be a burden, how come he asks for a collection of giving for his ministry? I am sure you will agree with me that this idea is ironic.

But as I was digging deep into the word and starting to read between the lines, I understood what he is trying to prove with his letter to the Corinthian churches. He is explaining the ministry of giving. Yup! Giving to the work of the Lord is a ministry that we shouldn’t take less serious compared to serving the Lord with our talents and callings. The ministry of giving is equal to the works of pastors and missionaries, leading the prayer and intercessory ministry, teaching kids in Sunday school, taking care of the finances of the church, and any other ministry work in the churches.

Giving to the work of the Lord is like investing in eternity. It is planting the seeds in the field of the harvest for the Kingdom of God. And in time, we will reap what we sow in the field. God blesses the work of our hands because God found us faithfully sowing the seeds. Not only do we faithfully sow the seeds, we generously sow the seeds, for when the time for us to harvest the seeds comes, we will reap bountifully.

Paul said in his writing to the Corinthian people, “God is able to make all grace abound to you”. Isn’t that a great thing to hear that? You will surely jump when you hear someone say that to you. God who made the heavens and the earth, rich in every way, is able to make all grace abound to you. That sounds to me like immeasurable blessings are on my way. Next, he said, “in all things and in all times” that means wholly, fully and timeless. Next is, “having all that you need”, which means to me that what I have right now God is able to multiply so that it will cover all I need. And the last line goes, “you will abound in every good work”. This mean to me that what God blesses my hands to have is for me to be able to do good work.

If I would summarize that in one idea, it would mean to me that God is able to bless the work of my hands. This could be my means of earning, whatever it will be, or this could be my works in the office, my business and any other things that God allows me to earn - the things God blesses for me to abound, in all things at all times. These blessings will abound so that I could do good work. Good work like giving, investing into eternity, giving to church ministries, supporting someone that’s doing the work of the Lord. This is just like the Corinthian people supporting the work of the Lord through Paul’s ministry.

As for me, I am doing the work of the Lord full-time. I have faith in the Lord that He is able to provide for the needs of our family. I am thankful that God brought you into my life and ministry, and I am grateful for your generous support both prayerfully and through your finances. I am keeping you in my prayers, like Paul, as I am praying that God will continue to bless the works of your hands. May God bless your business, your work in the office, and every way that God allows you to earn your living. I am praying that God blesses you tremendously. As I read and study how Paul talked to the Corinthian people, I remember how you are faithfully supporting me. I am so overwhelmed that I have you in my life. Your support is like seeds that have been planted in the field of God’s harvest. You are investing into eternity to the works of the Lord through my life. I am sure, we will harvest bountifully.

On this note, I want to thank every one of you who is faithfully and generously supporting me. I am thankful to the Lord for your life, love and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. I want to encourage every one of you to keep on working for our Lord, even in our work place, businesses, and ministries. Having faith in our hearts, let us continue moving forward for the glory of our God. In the end, as we keep our faith in Him, He is faithful to reward our good works for Him and in Him.

Many challenges will arise, conflicts will arise and trails are everywhere but let us continue to hold onto Jesus. He is faithful and rich in love and grace. Again, He is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.