How does God put earnest care into our hearts for others' needs? Setting the Scene in Corinth • The collection for the suffering believers in Jerusalem is underway (2 Corinthians 8:1–15). • Paul commends Titus, “But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.” (2 Corinthians 8:16) • Titus did not manufacture this compassion; God implanted it. The Source of Genuine Care • God Himself is the origin: “for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) • The Spirit pours divine love directly into the believer’s heart: “the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) • A promised new heart enables authentic concern: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” (Ezekiel 36:26) Tools God Uses to Stir Earnest Care 1. Scripture • Jesus’ command: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) • The Word renews the mind, aligning affections with God’s (Romans 12:2). 2. Godly Examples • Titus mirrors Paul’s zeal; Paul mirrors Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). • Observing compassion in mature believers awakens the same in us. 3. The Indwelling Spirit • Produces fruit “love, joy, peace, patience…” (Galatians 5:22–23). • Nudges the conscience toward practical help (1 John 3:17). 4. Providential Opportunities • Need itself is a divine invitation: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24). Evidence of Earnest Care in a Believer’s Life • Voluntary initiative—Titus “went to you of his own accord” (2 Corinthians 8:17). • Cheerful generosity—“God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Persistent follow-through—care that moves from feeling to action (James 2:15-17). • Unity of purpose—believers pulling together “with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27) Guarding and Growing This God-given Care • Stay close to the Word; it keeps affections warm. • Cultivate prayerful dependence; ask God to enlarge the heart (Psalm 119:32). • Keep company with earnest believers; zeal is contagious (Proverbs 13:20). • Act promptly on Spirit-given impulses; obedience strengthens sensitivity (John 14:21). • Remember Christ’s sacrifice; the cross continually fuels self-giving love (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). God plants the seed of earnest care, waters it through His Spirit and Word, and brings it to full fruit in lives that reflect His own generous heart. |
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