How generous are you?

During these challenging economic times we may want to turn inward and close ourselves off from the world and the church's mission. Our hands close tightly into fists and we cross our arms and turn away from helping others.

Only the Lord our God has the power to open our hands and hearts, to unfold our arms so that we reach out with the love of Christ. And, only the love of Christ moves us to assist, help, and serve our neighbor in need.

St. Paul writes this in 2 Corinthians: "We know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ who though he was rich for your sakes became poor, so that from his poverty we might become rich."

Earlier in the same chapter as he motivates and inspires the Corinthians in their generosity, Paul writes that "they first gave themselves to the Lord and then by God's will to us."

My friends, we are only as generous as the level of trust we have in Jesus who gave his very life for us and for the world.

Peace,

Pastor Durk