‘One who separates himself seeks his own desire; He quarrels against all sound wisdom. ‘ Proverbs 18:1
This is the last part in a series we have been exploring about Christian Fellowship. In this part, we tackle the excuse of “They continually ask for money.”
This has been a fascinating subject. If we are going to grow spiritually, it will require fellowship. In the first chapter of Romans, Paul wrote: ‘For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. ‘ Romans 1:11-12
The writer of Hebrews said: ‘Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ‘ Hebrews 10:19-25
My wife and I sit in the same spot week after week, and we make it a habit to try to get to know those around us and welcome those we see who are new to our area. This week, a gentleman who sits near us felt compelled to tell me about his week. I won’t get into the details, but he said, “Thank you for giving me an ear to vent.”
I thought to myself, “I wonder if I wasn’t there and if he would have been able to get that out of his head and into his mouth.”
When we are not there, we take those opportunities off the table.
Another personal example: my wife was in the hospital, and she sent me to church. Now, I was discouraged, and she was not with me. A man from a Bible Study was there by himself, and he asked me if I minded that he join me. Just by his presence, I felt lifted.
I know that this post does not address the subject of “they are always asking for money.” But here’s the thing: an excuse is an excuse; it doesn’t matter what color we paint it.
Get to church; there is someone who needs you, and there is someone there you need.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Please give me the desire to continue to show up at Your assembly. Help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me and have the courage to ask for help when I need it.
I am thankful for the people who You bring into my life. I pray that You give the heart of Jesus to those who are there.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen! 🙏🏻❤️
