August 2

Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you. — 2 Cor 9:1 BSB

Judas criticized Mary for “wasting” her ointment when she poured it on Jesus’ head and feet. But Jesus defended her, saying she had done something good for Him.

Some people think that giving money to good causes is a waste. But Paul teaches us that what we give to God is never wasted. He compares it to sowing seeds in a field. It’s not lost—it grows into a harvest.

What we reap will depend on what we sow. If we give sparingly, we will reap little. But if we give generously, we will reap much.

Miserliness is far from the spirit of Christ. If someone feels the temptation to be stingy, they should crowd it out immediately.

There’s a story of a Christian man whose ship was delayed. He grew anxious about the possible loss, but he was so disappointed in himself that he gave the value of the ship to a good cause.