Sharing Is Caring

Hebrews 13:15-16
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Happy Thanksgiving. I pray you are having a blessed day, and taking time to thank God for all that He has given you. I also pray that you will be able to share that blessing with others, especially with someone who needs some kindness.

Our scripture passage says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” As my eleven year old put is “sharing is caring”.

It funny but so true. When Evan was three I would take him to the park several times a week and he always brought two or three cars with him. One to play with and the others to share. He learned quickly that people like it when you share.

Our passage today says it pleases God. So, on a day when we like to be with family make sure you share a bit of yourself with someone who needs your kindness. Because after all, sharing is caring.

Living with Arms Locked in Unity

What a contrast we, as Americans, observed about the nature of man. Over the past couple of weeks, we witnessed actions of hate and bigotry on August 12th. August 25th, when Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, unity, love, and concern for one another surfaced. Though most of us were complete strangers we watched, prayed, and then acted.

Romans 3:22-23 (MSG) 
The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. 

Strangers jumped into action in stunning ways. Memories of the shouts and acts of hate only two weeks before changed, as the observer watches a nation rally to support and rescue those caught in the devastation of a powerful storm. 

People rallied to help their brothers and sisters. We loved strangers - those we declared so different from us. We cared, we grieved, we rejoiced when we saw the response of people sacrificially love all hurting people.

Romans 3:23-24 (MSG) 
Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.

Oh, what joy it would be if from this day forward we lived and loved as we did this past week. No prejudice, no judgment, no differences to set us a odds with one another. Compassion and the desire to make a difference can help us stand, forever locked arm-in-arm.

Romans 3:21-29

Not easy to walk a Godly path - 1 Peter 3:8-22

When first reading through 1 Peter 3:8-22 the word missionaries came to mind, especially when studying verses 13-15, “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as LORD…” But it was verse 8 that had this writer’s attention. In a time when we are living for ourselves, working for material gain with not much ‘one another-ing’ going on, this verse shouts a message loud and clear.

1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” I hear this verse calling me to be a modern day missionary, one who ministers to folks in our own community who need assistance. We do this by serving as a volunteer in a nursing home or assisted living facility or lending a hand to feed the homeless.

Verse eight calls us to be willing to do menial work, be courteous, have compassion and exhibit a tenderhearted spirit. The church I attend serves in many areas including: reaching out to inner city children and adults, working with suburban children who need food during the summer months, providing school supplies and winter coats to still others. How is verse 8 speaking to you?

To read the entire scripture text for this day go to Biblegateway

Leave your comments below or email here

For more information on the SON ministries mentioned in this devotional please click here.