SERVING THE POOR

 

Romans 15:25-27  Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. (NIV)
 

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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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The gospel started in God's heart of love. It was His love and compassion that planned salvation and has enabled us to hear how we may be saved - by putting our trust in Jesus Christ. Wherever the gospel goes, compassion should grow alongside faith. Paul's missionary journeys presented the good news of Jesus and saw people being born again; but Paul was equally concerned for the new believers to know how to work with God, who had started to transform their lives.

Part of Paul's discipleship teaching was that people should care for one another, giving so that those in need might have enough to eat. So as people were born again they were also encouraged to make gifts of money for the Christians in Jerusalem who had been deprived of work and income because of their faith and because of the drought which was soon anticipated. This practical gift also helped to cement Paul's teaching about the nature of the church into their hearts. Jews and Gentiles who believed in Jesus were equal members of His kingdom. By giving money they showed that they believed this and understood their obligation to people with whom they had previously nothing in common.

The world despises poor people, but Jesus wanted them to have the dignity of knowing they were loved. However, poverty is still a major problem. Of course, there will always be some who have more than others, but when people have nothing should we not have compassion? How do we react when we see the example of God's compassion in Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" If God has such a big heart of compassion for us, should we not share what we have with others? Stop for a moment today and ask God with whom He would like you to share some money and possessions.

Prayer:  Generous Lord. Thank You for having given Your own Son for my salvation and provided for all my needs. Please help me to see those around me who are in need so that I may serve them for Your sake. Please forgive me for my selfishness in keeping everything for myself and enable me to appreciate the joy of giving for the sake of Jesus. In His Name. Amen.