March 16, 2023 — Sharing As A Spiritual Discipline

“I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:18-20

“Paul was a man who was characterized by sincere gratitude. He knew that the gift that the Philippian believers had lovingly sent to him had cost them dearly. And he wanted them to know that the gift had done the job. They needed to know how well the need was met by this gift; and so, he writes to tell them that indeed it was! He even speaks in very assuring terms; that he had “all”, that he “abounded”, and that he was “full”. That must have made them very happy.” (Bethanybible.org)

The discipline of sharing could also be called the discipline of giving or of charity. It means, simply, to share my financial and material resources with others, whether that’s with the needy, or with missionaries, or with the church. Sometimes the giving is within our means while other times the giving pushes us beyond them. The question we must always ask is this: do we trust the Lord that our needs will always be met?”

Make it a habit to share with someone every day – whether it is financial, it is emotional, or it is religious. When we live to share, then we live a life of sharing, and sharing then has a better chance of becoming a spiritual discipline.

Lord, You have blessed me with so much more than many people have, and I am so grateful. Help me to have faith that rests on the knowledge that you will provide for all my needs, too. Amen.

Pastor Dave