Paul writes this passage to a church that had an open heart policy toward the needs of others. The instruction that Paul was giving was neither to take an offering nor to prepare to take one. Rather his instructions were to follow through on what they had already begun, to make ready everything that they would be sending to the saints in need. Paul had been boasting about the Corinthan's spirit of charity by holding this church up before the Church of Macedonia as an example to be followed. But Paul knew only too well that good intentions are not enough to get the job done. Procrastination often set in when a job is to be done, but not just at the moment. Paul warns that the church needs to be ready so that they are not caught off guard and will not be embarrassed. Doing a good job, having the best intentions and the greatest desires are not enough if the very act is not accomplished. Starting something is not the completed idea. Doing the thing is what matters.

A talented person who is not faithful is of little value to a Pastor. A gifted singer, who sings only when he or she is moved on, cannot be used often. Sunday School teachers that do not prepare for their classes hurt their students and their own good name. Ministers who preach at another church and do not thank publicly the church for the invitation, can damage their ministry. Evangelists that minister by getting on material that is Pastoral, better know beyond any doubt that God has given that message. People who testify discouraging things and take large amounts of time are disrespecting the congregation and ministry. But the people who get a message from the heart of God and in the Love of Christ, being moved on by the Holy Ghost, are a great blessing in any service. Every church member can bring something into the service if they are prepared and will follow through.

I Thessalonians 4:9, "But, as touching brotherly love, ye need not that I write unto you; for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another."

Another way of saying it is that through brotherly love we should show care for all brethren: not with partiality, not having a friend or group of friends under the old buddy system. Shame to any of us if we made one brother our friend and exclude another as an outcast. Equally shameful if we choose our friends by their popularity, wealth and possessions. All people are loved of God, no matter who they are or what group they belong to. A brother in need cannot be set aside by those who are blessed. The Gentile churches could have remembered the attitude of the Jews toward them. They could have remembered the judgement that some Jews passed on to the Gentiles because of the old law and the problems that came up because of those actions. They could have remembered how the Jews spied of the liberty of some of the Gentile Christians. "But they did not let any of the past misdeeds stop them from following Christ. Where evil had been done, good was sent in it's place. Where Judgement had fallen, kindness sprang up. Where seperation had occurred, friendship reached out. Where religious prejudices showed itself, Christians sprang up and subdued it."

As Paul addressed these two Gentile churches, he did it as their Apostle. The churches were complimenting Paul's ministry. They had learned well the message of brotherly love, the love that is shown abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. The same love that brings us from death unto life causes us to love our brethren. The world will see Jesus when His Church loves!