What we give is never equal to what we receive – at least in this physical earthly life. But the apostle Paul had a unique perspective on the life of a serving Christian.
I Corinthians 12:15 “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.”
In this verse, Paul isn’t talking about spending money. He’s speaking of spending himself – his time, his attention, his strength – for the people in the church of Corinth. He was willing to just give and give, until he had exhausted all his resources for the cause of Christ.
So often, we want to give, but we hesitate, because we don’t know in advance how much that service or ministry or kindness will cost us.
Let’s be honest – in a spiritual sense we could never give enough for God or to others that could equal the gift of God’s Son and the salvation Jesus has provided. No matter what an act of service may cost us, we are still debt to our Saviour.
I encourage you, fellow believer, just spend yourself for Christ. Spend your life for others. If there is a need – fill it!
Our pastor preached about this on Sunday. This quote particularly spoke to my heart as I listened:
“You can’t…expect the work in your church to come pick you up out of the pew and take you to it…Many times people say ‘I’m praying about what God wants me to do.’ Well, listen, there is a book full of things God wants you to do. Get to doing it!”
You may think “But you don’t know what that ministry will cost me!”
Does it really matter? Do you think Jesus doesn’t know? He suffered for us too! Hebrews 5:8 assures us that even the Son of God “learned obedience because of the things he suffered.”
He knows, my friend. He sees the life and service and money and strength and time you are spending for Him. He will reward you. Maybe here in the life, but maybe not until Heaven.
Don’t be afraid to be spent for Jesus’ sake.
Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
