How can your church community actively support believers, as Paul did in Romans 15:25? Seeing Paul’s Heart for the Saints “Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.” (Romans 15:25) • Paul intentionally set aside personal plans to meet tangible needs. • The word “minister” (diakoneō) points to hands-on service, not detached sympathy. • His journey was an act of unity: Gentile believers in Macedonia and Achaia were sending help to Jewish believers in Jerusalem (Romans 15:26-27; Acts 11:29). Practical Ways to “Minister to the Saints” Today 1. Financial Relief – Establish a benevolence fund (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). – Offer interest-free, short-term loans for members in crisis (Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Proverbs 19:17). 2. Physical Assistance – Meal trains, house repairs, transportation to medical appointments (James 2:15-16). – Skilled professionals donate services—legal advice, counseling, tutoring (1 Peter 4:10). 3. Emotional and Spiritual Care – Regular home and hospital visits (Matthew 25:36). – Mentorship teams for new believers (Acts 14:22). 4. Job and Skill Support – Networking nights and résumé workshops (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). – Micro-grants for small business start-ups (2 Thessalonians 3:12; Proverbs 31:16-18). 5. Proactive Crisis Planning – Designate “response captains” for widow(er)s, single parents, and deployed families (1 Timothy 5:3-4). – Stock emergency kits and disaster funds (Proverbs 6:6-8). Mobilizing the Whole Body • Elders cast vision from passages like Galatians 6:10 and Hebrews 13:16. • Deacons coordinate logistics (Acts 6:1-4). • Small-group leaders track needs weekly (Romans 12:13). • Children’s ministry involves kids in card-making and yardwork, teaching them service early (Proverbs 22:6). Guarding the Motive and Message • Give willingly, not under compulsion—“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Keep Christ central: relief points people to the gospel, not to our generosity (Matthew 5:16). • Maintain integrity through transparent accounting (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Celebrating the Fruit • Share testimonies of lives touched; build faith (Psalm 9:1). • Pray for those assisted and for future opportunities (Colossians 4:2-3). • Rejoice together as needs are met, echoing Paul’s joy when the Jerusalem saints received help (2 Corinthians 9:12-14). |
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