Gladly Spending And Being Spent

The Corinthian church was known for their idolatry and carnality (1 Cor 3:3). There were even some in the church who didn’t like Paul (2 Cor 11:7). He had to admonish them (1 Cor 10:11), and guide them towards the right doctrine (1 Cor 14:26)! But Paul neither gave up nor held back from this church. He told them that he “will very gladly spend and be spent for you.” As a loving father would do for his children (Php 2:4), Paul was willing to spend his entire strength, time, and effort, for the welfare of the Corinthian believers (2 Cor 11:1).

 He was not even expecting anything in return when he said that “though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” This is the same kind of attitude that we need in whatever ministry that the Lord has entrusted us (2 Cor 9:10). We must offer our very best to God (1 Chr 29:17); by trusting Him in everything (Prov 3:5), and believing that He will supply all our needs (Php 4:19)! When Paul and his fellow servants imparted the gospel to the Thessalonians, they also imparted their souls to them (1 Thes 2:8), because of their great love for them! In spite of the many dangers and persecutions that Paul endured (2 Cor 11:26), he continued to minister to those who are in need while glorying “in tribulations” (Rom 5:3).

 As God’s servants, we must also impart ourselves to the people that we are ministering to with our whole heart, coupled with compassion and love (1 Pet 3:8). Instead of holding back, we must be willing to present our “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Rom 12:1), so we can fully appreciate the privileges of our reasonable service. If you are already serving God, then keep on serving Him faithfully. If not, then pray for His leading (Ps 37:23), so you can “serve the Lord with gladness” (Ps 100:2)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera