For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you. 2 Corinthians 9:1
One of my brothers worked for a time in the construction camps of Alberta, where he told me there was a huge difference between the people from Alberta and the newcomers from the Maritimes. He noticed this first when he would enter the huge dining hall for a coffee break. Albertans, he noticed, sat by themselves and paid no attention to anybody else. Don said these people always appeared unhappy, in his words, looking as though they had just run over their own dog. They neither attracted not sought company. In sharp contrast, he said any Maritimers in the dining hall were always gregariously seeking out others, good naturedly getting together to share jokes and the latest gossip. Even among the Albertans, he said, the Maritimers had the reputation of being friendly and good natured. That is a good reputation to have, just like the Corinthians had the reputation of ministering unto the saints.
Paul said there was no need for him to urge the Corinthians to improve in this area. They were already doing fine. These folks knew the importance of serving and helping others, and they were ready and willing to help out whenever needed. Like everyone else, they had their own needs to tend to, and their own families to support. But there was always some time and money available for those less fortunate and for the Lord’s servants. Paul commends them for having their priorities straight, just as we would comment the Lord’s people today for their willingness to minister to the saints.
Ministering to the saints is important to God, as Hebrews 6:10 tells us, something that God takes particular note of and does not forget. Matthew 25:40 reminds us that ministering unto even the most humble believer is ministering to the Lord. In Romans 12, we read that God has given us gifts to use for ministering to the saints. Although a responsibility, ministering to the saints is also an honour. Think of how Onesiphorus felt about his ability to minister to the apostle Paul in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:16-18). Paul often made it a point to compliment people on their willingness to minister to him and to others. There are dear saints around us today who don’t get much credit for their faithfulness in ministering to others. They will be fully rewarded someday. But it wouldn’t hurt for us to give them a word of encouragement now.
Given that our Lord places major importance on ministering to the saints, how addicted are we to this valuable service? -Jim MacIntosh