Practice Your Follow Through

For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God…they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 2 Corinthians 9:12-14

Administration of what service?The service of giving…Long story short, Paul is encouraging the church of Corinth to part with the gift they promised (a year earlier) to the church in Jerusalem. In so doing, he is reminding the Corinthians (and us) that in 'giving' they are not only providing for the receivers practical needs, but their spiritual needs as well.

God is Glorified

When an individual comes to realize that Jesus is the reason behind a person's generosity, it causes them to give thanks to God. I believe this is one reason why relationship building is so important in the Compassion Ministry. When the child you sponsor comes to realize that Jesus put you up to it (so to speak), that child will tend to give thanks to God for His moving through that sponsor. Essentially your relationship with a sponsored child sets in motion their relationship with Jesus Christ.

That's What Compassion is All

AboutLook at Compassion's Mission Statement—it reads, "In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults."

The most important words of this declaration are the first six, "In response to the Great Commission." The people, who were inspired by God to embark on this Compassion ministry must have been well-aware of the spiritual phenomenon revealed in 2 Corinthians 9; the recipient of grace will respond to both giver ~and~ Source. And since we know God is the source of all good things, it is only natural Christians would share that fact with others.

Start the Process

Actually, I want to address this invitation to 'sponsor a child' to a specific group of Christians. The Apostle Paul wrote his exhortation to a body of believers who had previously made a commitment, but for whatever the reason, had not followed through. I would like to extend an exhortation to the person or persons who have similarly made a pledge to the Lord, but as of yet, have fallen short. Perhaps now is your time.

Follow Through

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

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