Page 19 - January 2026 - Truth & Tidings

Secondly, we have responsibility to take of the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more
care of our extended family. Paul writes, blessed to give than to receive” (Act 20:35).
“But if anyone does not provide for his There is a personal blessing that rebounds
relatives, and especially for members of to the giver.
his household, he has denied the faith and Secondly, giving to the needy results in
is worse than an unbeliever” (1Ti 5:8). The praise and glory to God. As Paul exhorted the
context is in relation to older widows who Corinthians to give funds to support those in
had no means of financial support and lived need in Jerusalem, he said, “For the ministry
in a society where there was no social safety of this service is not only supplying the needs
net. If we have family members in need, we of the saints but is also overflowing in many
are obligated to help them financially and not thanksgivings to God” (2Co 9:12). By giving
burden the church. Failure to do so would be to help those in need, we are bringing glory
completely contrary to our Christian faith. to God and causing others to praise Him.
Thirdly, we have a responsibility to work Thirdly, by sharing financially with those
so we can help the poor and the weak. Paul in need, we bring pleasure to God’s heart.
said, “In all things I have shown you that “Do not neglect to do good and to share what
by working hard in this way we must help the
weak” (Act 20:35). Paul, on another occasion, you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”
reflecting back on the Jerusalem council’s (Heb 13:16). God is pleased when we sacrifice
requests, said, “Only, they asked us to for others.
remember the poor, the very thing I was eager Finally, there is also an eternal benefit to
to do” (Gal 2:10). By working hard, we will giving. In 1 Timothy Paul exhorts, saying,
be in a position to financially meet the needs “As for the rich in this present age …. They
of others who have lost their jobs, incurred are to do good, to be rich in good works, to
significant health bills, or are beset by any be generous and ready to share, thus storing up
number of other difficulties. treasure for themselves as a good foundation
Care for the most vulnerable of society for the future, so that they may take hold
runs through the Bible. In the Old Testament, of that which is truly life” (1Ti 6:17-19). We
the nation of Israel was instructed to leave can’t take our riches with us. However, by
some crops in the field for “the sojourner, using them to help others, we can send them
the fatherless, and the widow” (Deu 24:19). on ahead – converted into the currency of
The Lord Jesus and His disciples must have heaven.
often given to the poor because when Judas We were made for work by God. We can
left to betray Jesus, the disciples thought he execute that work for the glory of God. But
was perhaps going to give money to the poor we can also use both the skills and the income
(Joh 13:27-29). James said, “Religion that is from our work to meet the needs of those
pure and undefiled before God the Father in difficult circumstances. Our culture tells
is this: to visit orphans and widows in their young people that work must be personally
affliction” (Jas 1:27). fulfilling or it isn’t worth it. Consequently,
While it is an obligation to help others, many struggle with jobs that are less than
there are also many benefits. First, there is fulfilling. However, if we view our job and
joy in giving to help others. When Paul was our skills as providing a means to help others,
exhorting the Ephesians to work hard in then we elevate secular work to something
order to help the weak, he reminded them eternal.

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