Photo by Martine Jacobsen on Unsplash
Dear Easter Friends,
Alleluia! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
I think one of the most satisfying things in life is the ability to help someone in need. Whether it’s through something I know or have, it gives me a good feeling to know I can use the gifts I have to help someone besides myself. After all, “No person is an island unto themselves.” It does take others to get through life.
The idea that we’re here to help others shouldn’t be news to us – it’s the way God created us. After all, in the very beginning, God noted it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone, so He created a helper for him (Genesis 2:18). As Jesus prepared His disciples for life without Him in a physical sense, Jesus knew they’d need someone to help them out. He promised them a Helper – the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-27). And the Helper filled these men and women in ways they couldn’t imagine as they came together as “one heart and soul … having everything in common” (Acts 4:32). And as a result of being one with each other, they also worked diligently to give what they had, from among the generous provision of God, to whomever had need (Acts 4:34-35). Trusting God would continue to supply their needs, they had no fear about giving to others to ensure nobody was lacking.
As modern-day disciples, God continues to richly bless us with many different gifts. He gives all of us the gift of life and mixes in time, talent, and treasure as He sees fit. Guided by the Holy Spirit, He launches us all into the world to be His hands and feet to help any and all in need by giving freely and generously from the gifts He has blessed us with – trusting His promise to refill the coffers from which we give. So, let us rejoice in God’s loving provision and then respond to His love by helping any and all in need with the gifts He has given us.
In the Risen Christ’s Love,
Pastor Jim