A Life of Giving

‘Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood’ (Acts 20:28) 

'More people have been brought into the church by the kindness of real Christian love than by all the theological arguments in the world and more people have been driven from the church by the hardness and ugliness of so-called Christians than by all the doubts in the world’ (William Barclay). It is said that people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Giving that is rooted in love is an indispensable virtue in the Christian faith. Both in the Old and New Testament, it is taught that Love is the most important commandment (Deut 6:5, Luke 10:27). Abraham’s decision to offer his only son, and God giving His only begotten son for the salvation of mankind are two stories that every Christian should draw much inspiration from.

James said that, ‘pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you’ (James 1:27). His words were a confirmation of what Jesus said that, those that will have an inheritance in His kingdom are those that love and give their time, resources, etc to the needy. Jesus said that in that day ‘the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” ‘The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ (Matt 25:34-40). It is said that willing to forego our own comfort, our own preferences, our own schedule, our own desires for another's, brings us back to Christ.

Clearly, Paul’s prediction to Timothy in 2 Tim 3:2 that, in the last days people will be lovers of themselves is being fulfilled. As individuals and as a church, we have to be watchful. Selflessness that is rooted in Love is the test of real Christian maturity. Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000 people offers a remarkable lesson for the Church today. Unlike His disciples, Jesus cared about both the physical and spiritual needs of the multitudes. It is important to note that, the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 was birthed out of Jesus’ compassion for the people, it wouldn’t have happened if He did not care about them and He sent them away, realizing that they were hungry (Mat 14:14-17). Healthy churches play a major role in their communities. Churches whose leadership genuinely care about the needs of the people make a greater impact. ‘If one would start out with the idea of giving instead of getting he would succeed (Finis Dake).

May God grant us the grace to have people focused ministries, but not ministries that are solely based on numbers. Ministry is not only about numbers but individual lives. The details of every single person’s life really matters to God. Be reminded of the words of Peter, ‘Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood’ (Acts 20:28).

‘The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions’ (Rick Warren). 'A day lived without showing love for others, is a day not worth living' (Mother Teresa).