How can we "do good and to share" in our daily lives? Anchoring Principle: Hebrews 13:16 “And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Why Doing Good Delights the Father • God views every act of kindness as a sacrifice placed on His altar (Philippians 4:18). • He measures love in tangible deeds, not mere sentiment (1 John 3:18). • Obedience in small, daily choices honors the literal commands He preserved for our guidance (John 14:15). Practical Ways to Do Good Each Day • Speak life-giving words—offer encouragement, gratitude, and Scripture instead of criticism (Ephesians 4:29). • Notice overlooked tasks—return grocery carts, hold doors, pick up litter; simple courtesies mirror servant leadership (Mark 10:45). • Serve in the body—prepare a meal for new parents, send a card to shut-ins, volunteer nursery time so others hear the Word (Galatians 6:10). • Practice ethical excellence—work diligently, arrive on time, refuse gossip; integrity testifies that Christ truly reigns (Colossians 3:23-24). Sharing: Beyond Currency • Material provision—budget a “mercy line” for groceries, school supplies, or utility help (Proverbs 19:17). • Time and presence—visit a widow, drive an elderly neighbor to appointments, tutor a struggling student (James 1:27). • Spiritual treasure—offer testimony, teach Scripture, sing hymns in the nursing home hallway (Romans 1:11-12). • Hospitality—open the dinner table or spare room; in welcoming saints, we welcome Christ Himself (Matthew 25:35). Cultivating a Giving Heart • Meditate on God’s generosity—He “did not spare His own Son” (Romans 8:32). • Set automatic generosity—schedule monthly support to missionaries or a crisis-pregnancy center (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Keep eternal perspective—every gift stores treasure “as a firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Timothy 6:19). Guardrails Against Burnout and Pride • Serve within grace limits—Jesus rested and prayed in solitude (Mark 1:35). • Remember God supplies seed and harvest—dependence keeps motives pure (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). • Hide the left hand’s deeds from the right—anonymous giving starves self-exaltation (Matthew 6:3-4). The Joyful Harvest God Promises • Generous sowing yields abundant reaping, both now and eternally (Galatians 6:9). • Communities thrive as believers hold possessions loosely, mirroring the Acts 2:44-47 witness. • The Father’s pleasure rests on those sacrifices, and His benediction—“Well done”—awaits at the finish line (Matthew 25:21). |
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