Lessons on Generosity and Family Responsibilities
In a thought-provoking narrative, the story of a church member returning a $100 bill demonstrates the notion of stewardship and generosity in acknowledging that all belongs to God. Biblical verses emphasize the importance of caring for widows and fulfilling personal responsibilities to family members. The message is clear: being willing to provide, care, and work for one's own demonstrates true faith and compassion.
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Before a church service give a church member a $100 dollar bill. Tell him that during the service you will ask for someone to give you a $100 dollar bill. Once you ask, this person will stand up with the $100 dollar bill in hand, walk down the aisle and hand it to you. As he is approaching declare to him that you will take the money and you will not give it back and you will not tell him how you will spend it. At this point, the congregation will probably be astounded and rather offended. As he is returning to his seat ask him why he gave you the $100 dollar bill. He will respond by saying, You gave it to me at the beginning of the service and said you would ask for it back during the service. At this point the congregation will sigh in relief and hopefully laugh a little. Then you make your point. The member was happy to return the $100 dollar bill because he knew it was never his and you gave it to him fully expecting him to return it. When we acknowledge that everything belongs to God, then we are not so stingy when He asks for some of it back.
Money Time Possessions Talents and abilities Life
Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. I Timothy 5:3 If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. I Timothy 5:8 In this context, Paul is addressing families and their personal responsibilities to other members of their household. If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary of doing good. II Thessalonians 3:10-12
You moved them in with you. Either the kids doubled up, or you built another room. You did what was needed to take care of them, PERIOD!
We move them to a nursing home and find every excuse possible as to why we cannot take them into our homes!
I thank God for nursing homes and there are many times when a nursing home is both the best and only option available. However . In my thirty plus years of ministry experience, beyond my ability to count, I have visited men and women, in nursing homes, who are perfectly capable of living at home with only minimal care. But, their children do not want to be inconvenienced. I have met men and women who were force into these homes against their will and their children never visit them even though they live in the same town!
the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed. Acts 5:16 Then the righteous will answer Him, Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison and come to You? The King will answer and say to them; Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me. Matthew 25:37-40 When you reap the harvest of your land, moreover, you shall not reap the very corners of your field nor gather the gleaning of your harvest; you are to leave them for the needy and the alien. I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 23:22 Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:42 (Note, it does not say give him whatever he wants!)
Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. II Corinthians 9:6-12 Whoever has the world s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word, or with tongue, but I deed and truth. I John 3:17-18 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing with all, as anyone might have need. Acts 2:44-45 (Note: It does not say everyone sold everything they had. Maybe they did, maybe they didn t.) Regarding Ananias and Sapphira: While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control. Acts 5:4 (Ananias and Sapphira were under no mandate to part with any of their goods.)
