First Baptist Church, Somerville, NJ

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Created: 01 November 2019

Our heavenly Father desires each of us being kind, generous and loving to others. When He finds us doing those things, He encourages us to do more of those things by blessing us as we do them. In Acts 20: 33-34, the apostle Paul is providing instructions to a group of elders from Ephesus. Paul reminds them that “he has not been paid with gold and silver, or even with clothing, but has provided for his own needs, as well as those who traveled with him”. Paul instructs the Ephesian elders to follow his example. He tells them that they also should labor with their hands as he has so that they can support the weak. Paul says
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

By working with their hands, the elders can not only provide for their own needs without depending on the financial support of others, but also help provide for the physical needs of those who are unable to work, people like orphans, widows, and the sick, or even those who minister with them, but who are not able to work.

Let us be reminded during this month of Thanksgiving that giving is the offering of something to God or others, or to both. It is making one's time as well as one's possessions available for the services of God and others, and this is the essence of true giving. Sometimes, we forget that in order for someone to receive love and affection someone has to give that same love and affection. It is said that “one can give without loving but one cannot love without giving”. As we give to others, we open the door for God’s wonderful blessings.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Loreno R. Flemmings