 All four gospels teach us if we focus on ourselves, we will lose it. But if we forget ourselves for Christ, we will have a real life (Luke 9:24-25).
Our culture encourages generosity up to a certain point. Because of the scarcity mindset, we are inclined to keep things solely for ourselves. But Christ teaches us not to hoard for ourselves treasures on earth, which include our time, ability, and wealth. For sure, one day we would lose them all (Matthew6:19-21). As God’s children and as citizens of heaven, our hearts should live above in Christ. Set our hearts and keep our focus on things above, with our feet down on earth (Colossians 3:1-3). Be generous with our stuffs on earth to the needy. Be generous cheerfully. It is the antidote of anxiety. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Sow generously and we will reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-7; and Proverbs 11:25). Our generosity includes spreading our faith, a natural outflow from a grateful heart for what God has given us freely. As ambassadors of Christ on earth, we are Christ’s witnesses. Though we naturally evangelize what we love, we should prepare to give the reason for our hope. And do this gently and respectfully (1 Peter 3:15). Also, don’t focus on outcomes. We don’t know if God would give us the outcome. In any event, true joy shouldn’t depend on the outcome. It is the path we go, the journey we travel, that counts. God is rich in mercy and abundant in grace. He accepts and reassures us. He gives us a new citizenship and a new way to live. Keep giving back because He will keep providing for us. Ask God to help us not hold on too tightly on our earthly treasures. Ask God to help us learn to give back. Summarized from a sermon by Nicole Unice https://menlo.church/series/the-way#/modal/message/5648/mlo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YsFLP5Yu34 回报 四本福音书都教导我们如果我们专注于自己，我们将失去它。 但是，如果我们为基督忘记自己，我们将拥有真实的生命 （路加福音9：24-25）。 在某程度上, 我们的文化鼓励慷慨好施。 但由于畏惧事物不足心态, 我们往往只是为自己保留积聚东西。 但是主耶稣教导我们不要为自己囤积地上的财宝, 包括我们的时间，能力，和财富。我们应该知道总有一天我们会失去它们 （马太福音6：19-21）。 作为神的儿女和天上的公民，我们的心应该在基督里。 虽然我们的脚踏在地上, 我们应专注于上面的事 （歌罗西书3：1-3）。 所以，对于地上的财宝要慷慨大方给于有需要的人。这是焦虑的解药。好施捨的，必得豐裕； 滋潤人的，必得滋潤。少種的少收，多種的多收 （哥林多后书9：6-7；和箴言11:25）。 我们的慷慨包括宣扬我们的信仰，自然地献出上帝免费给我们的, 成为基督在世上的使者，基督的见证。尽管我们自然向人传达我们所爱的，我们仍然应该准备如何表达我们希望的理由。并以轻柔而恭敬的方式做到这一点 （彼得一书3:15）。 此外, 不要专注于结果。我们不知道上帝是否会给我们结果。真正的快乐并不取决于结果。重要的是我们走过的路，我们的旅程。 上帝是富有怜悯和满有恩典的。祂接受我们，让我们放心。 祂给我们新的公民身份和新的生活方式。我们可以不断地回报因为祂会一直为我们提供的。 求上帝帮助我们不要只在乎 Comments are closed.
|