True story: I was destitute after separating from the first abusive ex. I had lost my job and he wasn't supporting me or our son, so it was hard. A close friend who claimed to survive on a part-time job and doing dog walking brought me a boatload of groceries and a couple of cartons of cigarettes. She also gave me a bit of cash for bus fares. I cried and cried because of her generosity and incredible personal sacrifice.
Years later, she told me that her very, very wealthy father paid for her rent, utilities, medical insurance, car insurance, veterinary bills, and groceries. I didn't know what to say. Her incredible sacrifice was no sacrifice, at all. While it was generous, it was also rooted in other purposes.
My point is that I really do cut into my resources and I give food and clothing not cash. I don't tell anyone when I give, either. I don't write checks for the church collection basket - it's always in cash. God is aware of my gifts and that's the way I intend to keep it.
Ina world where suffering is everywhere it is of utmost importance that we preach eternal peace. We cannot beat the evils within this world without the strength of God.
Feeding a man a fish is only a piece of filling the hole the man needs to be triumphant against his own demons.
Well said. John Adams told us America is made only for a religious and moral people, and since many Americans believe God is dead and ignore his ministry, missionaries for Christ and his gospel are saving this country while they are saving souls.
The verses in James 2: 15-17 occurred to me while I was reading this, so I went back and re-read them. James is talking about having faith without works there, but I realized that you are talking about works without sharing your faith that is not good, if I understand you correctly.. I agree wholeheartedly
James 2:15-17 is talking about charity within the body of Christ - "If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?" Jas. 2:15-16
I am talking about those outside the body of Christ. Our mission, first and foremost, to those outside the body is to preach the gospel. Yes, we can perform charity along the way, but if we're not preaching the gospel to the lost, our charity is wasted.
I had the same thoughts. I have been sober, by the grace of God and the fellowship of AA for the better portion of my adult life. (I won't go into my story here because it would take up a LARGE amount of space. Suffice it to say that I spent a large amount of time DRUNK prior to my 23rd birthday.)
Two of the principles of AA are FAITH in a higher power and SELFLESSNESS. Bottom line is, without my higher power, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I would not be here, SOBER, today. And in order for me to STAY that way it is paramount that I "give away what was so freely given to me", which is the knowledge that there is One who loves and wants only the best life for me. All I had to do to accept His gift is open my mind and my heart to Him so I could start sharing His message for ALL of us. Since I have done that and I have done more and more to share His love for ALL MY life has improved tremendously. Not necessarily in monetary ways, but spiritual and personal peace.
Excellent.!
True story: I was destitute after separating from the first abusive ex. I had lost my job and he wasn't supporting me or our son, so it was hard. A close friend who claimed to survive on a part-time job and doing dog walking brought me a boatload of groceries and a couple of cartons of cigarettes. She also gave me a bit of cash for bus fares. I cried and cried because of her generosity and incredible personal sacrifice.
Years later, she told me that her very, very wealthy father paid for her rent, utilities, medical insurance, car insurance, veterinary bills, and groceries. I didn't know what to say. Her incredible sacrifice was no sacrifice, at all. While it was generous, it was also rooted in other purposes.
My point is that I really do cut into my resources and I give food and clothing not cash. I don't tell anyone when I give, either. I don't write checks for the church collection basket - it's always in cash. God is aware of my gifts and that's the way I intend to keep it.
Ina world where suffering is everywhere it is of utmost importance that we preach eternal peace. We cannot beat the evils within this world without the strength of God.
Feeding a man a fish is only a piece of filling the hole the man needs to be triumphant against his own demons.
Well said. John Adams told us America is made only for a religious and moral people, and since many Americans believe God is dead and ignore his ministry, missionaries for Christ and his gospel are saving this country while they are saving souls.
The verses in James 2: 15-17 occurred to me while I was reading this, so I went back and re-read them. James is talking about having faith without works there, but I realized that you are talking about works without sharing your faith that is not good, if I understand you correctly.. I agree wholeheartedly
James 2:15-17 is talking about charity within the body of Christ - "If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?" Jas. 2:15-16
I am talking about those outside the body of Christ. Our mission, first and foremost, to those outside the body is to preach the gospel. Yes, we can perform charity along the way, but if we're not preaching the gospel to the lost, our charity is wasted.
Thank you
I had the same thoughts. I have been sober, by the grace of God and the fellowship of AA for the better portion of my adult life. (I won't go into my story here because it would take up a LARGE amount of space. Suffice it to say that I spent a large amount of time DRUNK prior to my 23rd birthday.)
Two of the principles of AA are FAITH in a higher power and SELFLESSNESS. Bottom line is, without my higher power, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I would not be here, SOBER, today. And in order for me to STAY that way it is paramount that I "give away what was so freely given to me", which is the knowledge that there is One who loves and wants only the best life for me. All I had to do to accept His gift is open my mind and my heart to Him so I could start sharing His message for ALL of us. Since I have done that and I have done more and more to share His love for ALL MY life has improved tremendously. Not necessarily in monetary ways, but spiritual and personal peace.