Examining Scripture:
“Distributing to the necessity of saints;
given to hospitality.”
Romans 12:13
Evaluating Soil:
Our homes and homemaking skills are great resources for helping our fellow Christians. God has blessed many of us with opportunities and resources to share our time, talents and treasures with others. However, not everyone is in the position in life to help others, and “distributing to the necessity of the saints” takes careful consideration.
One thing is for certain. We can’t help meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ, or others, when our lives are out of order and overwhelmed. It can be extremely difficult to show compassion, offer care, share companionship, or extend comfort to assist with others’ necessities, if we are spiritually weak, our health is poor, our hearts are broken, our minds are overloaded, our homes are in disarray, our jobs are taxing, our finances are insufficient, and our relationships are strained.
Before we give everything away, take on too many obligations, share what we can’t spare, or go, when we should stay, let’s consider whether we have the means and determine if meeting the need is right for us.
Experiencing Seasons:
Through my years of giving, I’ve learned to stop and consider who is in need and if I can or should help them or not.
I was blessed with giving parents who taught me how to share and be considerate of others’ needs. They could, however, be generous to a fault and easily taken advantage of. I know there were times that they gave when they didn’t have enough to give.
While they wouldn’t begrudge that fact, it did teach me a lesson. If we give more than we have, we soon become the needy.
Embracing Solace:
Meeting basic needs can provide comfort. Sometimes, just a smile, texting a verse and encouragement, sending a card or flowers, making a visit, taking time to listen, offering to watch the children, helping with a project, mowing the grass, or providing groceries or a meal can ease someone’s burdens.
Enjoying Simplicity:
We don’t have to over-complicate our giving and strain the well-being of our own homes. God wants us to be cheerful givers:
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,
so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
Employing Solutions:
Giving is a wonderful gift. Scripture says it is better than receiving.
“I have shewed you all things,
how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak,
and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus,
how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35
We’re also instructed to provide for our homes and families. We don’t need everything we want, and we may want more than we need. Only God knows if we are being selfish, sacrificial, or a poor steward. We should consider if our giving will:
- Overextend our time
- Tax our budget
- Deplete our family’s needs
- Enable poor behaviors and habits
- Put our lives or home in jeopardy
- Facilitate an unholy cause
Whether our homemaking skills include cleaning, cooking, decorating, planning, organizing, nurturing, or giving financially, we must take into account what God has provided for us, and what he would have us share with others. Our homes will be more efficient and useful. Remember, giving beyond our means doesn’t make us more holy.
Bring It Home
What can you reasonably share to meet a Christian friend’s need today?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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