The New Testament is replete with exhortations for believers to give to those in need, and to help the weak and helpless. This is amazing, given the general poverty and helplessness of the saints in those early days.
Going along with these teachings, there is a complete repudiation of violence, force, and extortion, but rather a requirement that we all be meek and humble and gentle and kind.
How tragic that the testimony of Christ has been soiled by those who claimed that violence and force and theft are acceptable to implement Christ's teachings!
By definition, giving must be voluntary, or it becomes theft. This is why the modern welfare state, in which government takes by force from some and gives to others, is repugnant to Christian teaching. The idea of "entitlement" is directly contrary to the grace of giving.
Paul exhorted the Ephesians to follow his example, and work so that they might help the weak, and remember that Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive.
But we must always remember that, when we give to others, we are only re-gifting what God has already given to us! King David recognized this truth when he rejoiced in God's people's joy in giving for the building of the temple.
But this raises an important point: the Lord blesses us so that we may bless other people. He is able, as Paul stated, to provide us by grace, what we need in order to abound in every good work.
These good works not only provoke thanksgiving to God from the recipients, but also demonstrate the Believer's submission to Christ's Gospel.
Our God is the supreme giver of all good things, for He gave us His Son, that we might be rescued from judgment.
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John Pittman Hey was born in 1961 in Jackson, Mississippi, to Godly parents who from the beginning raised him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. With child-like faith he came to Christ on his fourth birthday at his mother's knee. He received his education at church...
