How can we emulate Paul's willingness to "spend and be spent" for others? The Heart of 2 Corinthians 12:15 “Most gladly, then, will I spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, will you love me less?” Paul lays down a pattern of joyful, self-emptying service motivated by genuine love for people and unwavering confidence in the gospel. Embracing Paul’s Mindset • See people’s eternal need first. Souls matter more than comfort, schedule, or reputation (2 Corinthians 4:5). • Count the cost, then embrace it. Paul faced fatigue, travel, danger, misunderstanding—and still chose gladness (Acts 20:24). • Expect imperfect appreciation. “If I love you more, will you love me less?” shows love keeps giving even when gratitude lags (Luke 6:35). • Anchor identity in Christ, not in response. When love flows from union with Jesus, rejection can’t derail obedience (Galatians 2:20). Practical Ways to Spend Ourselves Today • Time: rearrange calendars so people aren’t squeezed into leftover moments (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Attention: listen deeply; bear burdens instead of offering quick fixes (Galatians 6:2). • Resources: budget for generosity—meals, fuel, rent help—anticipating God’s supply (2 Corinthians 9:8). • Skills: tutor, repair, mentor, or counsel without charging a fee, mirroring Paul’s tent-making spirit (1 Corinthians 9:18). • Physical energy: volunteer where effort is high and applause is low—nursery duty, hospital visits, shut-in care (Matthew 25:40). • Emotional investment: pray by name, rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). • Gospel witness: share truth even when it risks awkwardness or loss (Romans 1:16). Guarding Motives: Love, Not Mere Duty • 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 shows service without love equals nothing. • Ask: “Am I seeking their good or my image?” • Serve privately when possible; hidden faithfulness stifles pride (Matthew 6:3-4). • Celebrate others’ wins; love seeks their advance, not credit for self (Philippians 2:3-4). Drawing Strength to Keep Giving • Christ’s sufficiency: “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Prayerful dependence: Jesus withdrew to pray after giving (Luke 5:16). • Scripture intake: daily renewal guards from compassion fatigue (Jeremiah 15:16). • Fellowship: co-laborers refresh the spirit (2 Timothy 1:16; Hebrews 10:24-25). • Sabbath rhythm: rest is obedience, not selfishness (Mark 2:27). Measuring Faithfulness, Not Visible Results • Galatians 6:9—keep sowing; harvest comes in due season. • 1 Corinthians 4:2—“It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” • Leave outcomes with God; He gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Well done comes from the Master, not from crowds (Matthew 25:21). Encouragement from Christ’s Example • Mark 10:45—He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” • Philippians 2:5-8—He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. • Our spending mirrors His; our being spent points others to the cross. • Because He rose, sacrificial love is never wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). A Closing Charge to Live Poured-Out Lives Live as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), gladly spending and being spent, confident that every ounce poured out in Christ’s name echoes into eternity. |
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