Daily Reading: July 2

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

In the sight of others

Something to read

We intend that no one should blame us about this generous gift that we are administering, for we intend to do what is right not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of others.

- 2 Corinthians 8: 20 and 21.

Something to think about

Do you like to travel?

Would you be willing to risk life and limb in boats driven by sails and oars on the windy Aegean Sea, without either travel insurance or life insurance?

Titus and Paul took enormous risks to bring good news in tangible and monetary as well as spiritual form.

In this letter, Paul’s love shines through his passion for accompanying the proclamation of good news with a relationship of trustworthiness, and a distribution of financial gifts.

The Church at Corinth has been known for its sexual misconduct, its cosmopolitan geography and culture. And Paul isn’t afraid to challenge those things.

But it doesn’t deflect from his main passion and purpose. He still sees this same Church as a place that inspires confidence.

Did you ever wonder how the first disciples ensured good governance, while they were trying to distribute assistance to the poor?

Are you ever tempted to withdraw giving from certain organisations because you aren’t sure they are making the best use of the money?

Something to do

Ask whether the same questions of good governance and integrity apply to the manufacturers of the goods you purchase as apply to the recipients of your giving.

Are you more generous to the faceless corporations than to the organisations working for a better world?

Something to pray

God, help and protect those who handle monies and power out of love for Christ, and the poor, that they may overcome temptations and be quick to admit failures.

And make us as reticent to spend on unfair trading practices as we are to give to fallible aid agencies.

Today’s contributor is the Rev Cheryl Meban, Presbyterian chaplain to Ulster University, with a care for justice, human rights and international economic transformation.