Thematic Bible: Rules for


Thematic Bible



"Be careful that you do not do your good deeds in front of people for the purpose of being seen by them, for [if you do] you will not have a reward from your Father in heaven. "Therefore, when you give money to help poor people, do not blow a trumpet in front of you [i.e., to call attention to it] as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and streets. They do this in order to win praise from people. It is true when I say to you, they have [already] received their reward. But when you give money to help poor people, do not allow your left hand to know what your right hand is doing [i.e., do it inconspicuously] read more.
so that your giving to poor people may be done secretly. Then your Father, who sees what is done secretly, will pay you back.

But [remember] this: The person who plants only a few seeds will harvest a meager crop. And the one who plants many seeds [Note: The Greek says, "plants with blessings"] will harvest a bumper crop. Each person should give what he has decided to in his heart, not grudgingly, nor out of a feeling that he has to, for God loves a cheerful giver.

On every first day of the week [i.e., at the regular Sunday assembly] each one of you should set aside and store up [money] in proportion to your income, so that no collections will have to be taken when I come. Verse ConceptsAbility, To GiveGiving, Of PossessionsBeing In DebtHolidayLord's Day, TheSabbath, In NtThriftGenerosity, Used TowardsProsperityThe First Day Of The WeekAccording To ThingsStoring Other ThingsGiving Money To The ChurchFinancesMoney BlessingsSaving Money

So, now finish doing it also, so that just as you were eager to want to, you will also [be eager to] finish it, according to your ability. For if the eagerness is there, [then] whatever a person has [to give] is acceptable, and not what he does not have.

but that there will be equality [i.e., in everyone's giving]. Your abundance can now supply their need, so that their abundance can [later] supply your need. [That way] there can be equality, Verse ConceptsPeople ProvidingPlenty For The PoorSurplusAbundanceReciprocityHelping Those In NeedHelping Others In Needfairnesssales