Not Burdensome

Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong! 2 Corinthians 12:12-13

Paul let the Corinthians know he was an apostle to them, just as he had been to other churches he planted. He shared with them that he had never looked to them for financial support, not wanting to be a burden. And for that, he apologized. Although there is much complaining about the church “always wanting your money.” There is something special about being able to financially support the work of the ministry, to contribute even though you may never go physically into the mission field.

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” Matthew 10:40-42

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”  1 Timothy 5:17-18

Lord, guard my heart against thinking that giving to Your ministry is burdensome, instead let me have a willing and generous heart to see Your kingdom preached in all the world. Show me where to give, and bless the seed that I sow a hundredfold for Your kingdom!