Jesus warned His followers: "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15).
Paul challenged Timothy to encourage the wealthy in the prosperous city of Ephesus that having great wealth carried great responsibility. That included being humble, finding their security in God not in riches, and using their money to do good. Even if we are not wealthy, God has called us to radical generosity.
It's not wrong to find pleasure in the good things money can buy, but we should never rely on them for happiness. If our fulfillment depends on material possessions, we are crushed when we lose them. But if our joy is found in the Lord, nothing can disrupt it, not even economic distress.
As a Christians, we too are to have a heart of giving. James tells us to listen to the Word and do what is say (1 : 22-23). But he doesn't stop with just telling us to obey. He gives us specific instructions about what we must do. Then he gives us a practical way we can give of ourselves: "Visit orphans and widows in their trouble" (v27).
The Bible encourages us all to give in this way : "Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, nor grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work" [2 Corinthians 9 :7-8].
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. [Psalm 16:11]
Kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life.
You can give without loving, BUT you can't love without giving
Paul challenged Timothy to encourage the wealthy in the prosperous city of Ephesus that having great wealth carried great responsibility. That included being humble, finding their security in God not in riches, and using their money to do good. Even if we are not wealthy, God has called us to radical generosity.
It's not wrong to find pleasure in the good things money can buy, but we should never rely on them for happiness. If our fulfillment depends on material possessions, we are crushed when we lose them. But if our joy is found in the Lord, nothing can disrupt it, not even economic distress.
As a Christians, we too are to have a heart of giving. James tells us to listen to the Word and do what is say (1 : 22-23). But he doesn't stop with just telling us to obey. He gives us specific instructions about what we must do. Then he gives us a practical way we can give of ourselves: "Visit orphans and widows in their trouble" (v27).
The Bible encourages us all to give in this way : "Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, nor grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work" [2 Corinthians 9 :7-8].
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. [Psalm 16:11]
Kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life.
You can give without loving, BUT you can't love without giving
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