Love Requires Generosity
1 John 3:16-18 New International Version (NIV)
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
The second part of this coming Sunday’s Bible lesson on generosity is that we demonstrate our love for Christ and each other by our generosity towards each other. Now I know the underlying message the authors of the Sunday school material is designed to encourage people to give more money to the church … but, as usual, I find something a little different.
Let’s focus on the last verse of the passage to start. What are people looking for in a church member? Do they just want to hear flowery speeches and pretty songs? Or are they looking for substance behind the message we bring?
Christ has given us a purpose … we often refer to it as a commission. God has given us a message to share to with people. But our message carries little weight if we choose to not generously give of ourselves. And by that I do not merely mean our financial resources. Our money is no more than a tool to be used in the garden of life. And it is only one of many tools that God gives to us generously. Can you think of some other tools God has given you? Tool like a fertile mind that can think; a joyous spirit that can encourage; a place to live … often with space that can be used in a crisis; food in abundance; clothes … the list can go on and on. We have both physical and nonphysical resources that have been provided. BUT, if we hold them back – save them for a rainy day – when we have a brother and sister in need … what does the world see?
In 1976, our son Michael contracted pneumonia … and had to be hospitalized for two weeks. We didn’t have the money to cover the coinsurance and deductibles. Our friends, Dave and Donna Mulder, offered us a no interest loan – with no requirement to pay back – to cover the costs. Now we were able to work out a repayment plan with Clayton General hospital … but I still remember the generosity of our brother and sister in Christ in our time of need. Actions do speak loudly.
Why did they make the offer? Dave and Donna are strong believers in Christ Jesus our Lord. They recognize that God has blessed them financially. And they were willing to offer it to someone in need. They did so out of love for the Lord and love for their friends. Should we not do the same?
Well, there is another part to the lesson … but you would have to come to church with me on Sunday to hear it. I hope your weekend will be blessed.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
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