Calendar

BLESSINGS TO GIVE
FRIDAY, MARCH 12
Acts 20:32-38

Luke 6:37-38

 

“Give, and it shall be given unto you;

good measure, pressed down…”

 

BLESSINGS TO GIVE
 
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18). There are practical things in life that we must attend to as we keep one another strengthened in the faith.
 
Supplies in life: Paul commended the elders to God for their assurance of a heavenly inheritance. As spiritual heirs of the abundant riches in Christ, they were not to be concerned about the physical supplies. Paul himself set an example in providing for his own needs. He therefore understood what it meant to be a struggling, needy person. Read what Jesus said in Luke 14:12-14.
 
Sacrifices in life: Paul needed to go even though he wanted to stay with the believers in Ephesus. It was a heart-wrenching farewell where he knew he would not be coming back again to them. Yet, for believers, deep in their heart, such sacrifices are necessary for the work of the Lord to continue. It was also a blessing to let Paul go for then more people would hear the gospel of Christ.
 
A missionary, Jim Elliot, in his famous quote, said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Indeed, Christians must have a generous heart of giving both physical and spiritual supplies to those who are in need. This is a mark of one who is truly assured of his eternal inheritance in heaven.
 
Do you have this heart to give to those who are materially and spiritually lacking? Let your life be a good example, manifesting the love of God in your life. Love not in words only but by your good works!
 
THOUGHT: Am I giving back to the Lord and to others without grudging?
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee that I can give what Thou hast first given me.

Search