Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians ... Romans 12:13a, GNT

 

Serving people can become very tiring – ask anyone who works in a people-orientated job. It doesn’t matter how dedicated you are or how much empathy you have for those in need; it can become exhausting. This feeling is not only true in a professional sense but even within our family or circle of friends.

 

If you have never experienced this kind of fatigue, consider yourself doubly blessed. Unfortunately, many of us have encountered it. However, serving others, especially those in need, is one of the key responsibilities of every believer according to the Bible. It is part of our mission as builders of the body of Christ on Earth.

 

When Paul talks about fellow Christians in need, two things need to be addressed. Firstly, the word he uses refers to those who lack material goods. Many people have very few possessions, and we are therefore instructed to share what we have with those less fortunate.

 

When we look at other verses in the Bible, it becomes clear that the concept of needy individuals extends beyond material needs. Many times, people might need moral or spiritual support even more than material support, so we are called to share our spiritual resources with them.

 

The second important point that we need to address is the phrase “fellow Christians.” Sometimes, we can become so focused on meeting the material and spiritual needs of people outside our community that we forget about our fellow believers. It is the mission of the church and each individual to help those in need, such as when a flood devastates homes and livelihoods. However, we must also remember our neighbours who have lost their jobs; they, too, require our material and spiritual support.

 

Today, I encourage you to take a look around you. Many people are in need on both counts – do not hesitate to contribute in abundance.

 

Prayer: Lord, you have blessed us with so many things, both material and spiritual. Please open our eyes to the needs of those around us. Amen.