Micah 1-3
Revelation 11
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:12
As Christians, we are called to take on the challenge of loving those escaping the harshest conditions. When one who follows Jesus in obedience feeds, clothes and visits the stranger, it is qualitatively different than when a person out of their own good will or other motivations commits the same act. Why? The Apostle Paul writes, “…Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the One we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:27-29).
At the refugee camp in Lesvos, Greece, life is not easy or pleasant for the residents, but the presence of Jesus followers at the camp gives them dignity, hope, and peace as they experience the fruits of the Spirit of Christ in those who serve them in His name. Even in the most difficult and dire situations, the light of Christ shines in and through His people.
Yet, the work at the refugee camp cannot be done without the generous gifts of people coming together. Some travel to the refugee camps and give of their time and skills. Others donate their hygiene products and gently used clothes. Still, others give financially to the organizations, such as IAFR (International Association For Refugees), working on the ground to bless others on their behalf with resources.
Christian giving is qualitatively different from the rest of the world, where some might calculate how much they give based on the need, or others figure how much they give out of what they can spare. The generosity of Christians is based on an overflowing sense of the worthiness of their Saviour and an expression of thanksgiving of Jesus’s finished work on the cross. Each gift given is a proclamation of the gospel of Christ and an expression of gratitude for His provision.
As we contemplate what we should give, 2 Corinthians 9:7,13 tells us, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver….others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” We do not give because we pity the person, we do not give to promote ourselves, but we give because we proclaim the King—who has given each person value and dignity—is worth it. As we come to understand more fully who He is and what He has done, may we be empowered to give obediently.
Lord Jesus, thank You for all that You are and all that You have done. Grant me a heart of generosity to share my resources with others as an expression of gratitude towards You and proclamation of who You are in my life.
Revelation 11
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:12
As Christians, we are called to take on the challenge of loving those escaping the harshest conditions. When one who follows Jesus in obedience feeds, clothes and visits the stranger, it is qualitatively different than when a person out of their own good will or other motivations commits the same act. Why? The Apostle Paul writes, “…Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the One we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:27-29).
At the refugee camp in Lesvos, Greece, life is not easy or pleasant for the residents, but the presence of Jesus followers at the camp gives them dignity, hope, and peace as they experience the fruits of the Spirit of Christ in those who serve them in His name. Even in the most difficult and dire situations, the light of Christ shines in and through His people.
Yet, the work at the refugee camp cannot be done without the generous gifts of people coming together. Some travel to the refugee camps and give of their time and skills. Others donate their hygiene products and gently used clothes. Still, others give financially to the organizations, such as IAFR (International Association For Refugees), working on the ground to bless others on their behalf with resources.
Christian giving is qualitatively different from the rest of the world, where some might calculate how much they give based on the need, or others figure how much they give out of what they can spare. The generosity of Christians is based on an overflowing sense of the worthiness of their Saviour and an expression of thanksgiving of Jesus’s finished work on the cross. Each gift given is a proclamation of the gospel of Christ and an expression of gratitude for His provision.
As we contemplate what we should give, 2 Corinthians 9:7,13 tells us, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver….others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” We do not give because we pity the person, we do not give to promote ourselves, but we give because we proclaim the King—who has given each person value and dignity—is worth it. As we come to understand more fully who He is and what He has done, may we be empowered to give obediently.
Lord Jesus, thank You for all that You are and all that You have done. Grant me a heart of generosity to share my resources with others as an expression of gratitude towards You and proclamation of who You are in my life.
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