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Read Romans 15:22–33
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22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.Romans 15:26
Matthew 6:21 says “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This could be true of our heart’s desire for God, our relationships, or our possessions. For our society today—driven by dollars—we could say where our dollars go demonstrates where our heart is.
The Macedonians and Achaians gave from their hearts to the poor experiencing a famine in and around Jerusalem. Paul’s language is strong enough to say, “Indeed they owe it to them” because of their wealth and their brother’s need. For most of us, we decide in big or small ways where our extra income will go.
We certainly have freedom to decide how to use our financial resources. As we make such decisions, we should remember that, as we are blessed, we can generously share and become a blessing to others in our families, community, or world.
Prayer
Lord God, you give us all we have and are. Teach us to bless others with the bounty we have received from you. Amen.