2 Corinthians 9:5; Make Up Beforehand Your Bounty

2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.

The Apostle Paul taught the church in Corinth how they are to do good. He took time to organise the collection and sent responsible men to ensure that the process is safe and robust to transport the gifts to the church in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 9:4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

He saw towards the development of piety in them. Indeed, as the psalmist testified in Psalm 41:1-3 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

Such an obligation to show mercy lies upon the Spirit-filled conscience each time we come in contact with someone, whether a close relative, a friend or a stranger, who ask for our help. Amen.