I believe all of us have experienced God's goodness and somehow we have received that goodness through His channels or those who we call as vessels of God's goodness. In one way or another we have also been that carrier to other lives and it was indeed a privilege to be called and to be chosen to play such a noble role.
"The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea."
Acts 11:29
From the very beginning the early Christian Church who were moved and empowered by the spirit of God has learned how to open their eyes, their minds and their hands. Each one understood the deeper meaning of being a "koinonia" or community in Christ. The true Christian community was founded on a life-long commitment that has no difference to a blood family relationship. Christ made the brotherhood stronger for in Him the connection doesn't start and stop on our earthly bodies' existence but rather it flows throughout eternity in God's kingdom. Being part of the koinonia one brother will do things to others what he would normally do to his blood brothers, which is not bounded by time, activities, affiliation or origin. A brother will treat the fellow brethren as his very own just like a father and children or a brother to brother relationship. The koinonia has really practiced their being one in mind and one in their heart, there was no mine and no yours but only ours.
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. "
Acts 4:32-35
But things have changed when the definition of this community was reformed by time. Christian communities are obviously standing strong and are actively growing in number but if we will carefully observe these communities somehow has displayed a difference from where it all started. Brethren today still experience being one in faith but has bounded themselves by affiliation, availability and willingness. The brethren are private once again.
But there are some who are still observing the beauty of the fist koinonia for they have shared to the brethren just as like to their own family. They have shown strong interest and intense desire to relieve the needs of others who ever they may be. Regardless of capacity they have given selflessly and sacrificially. For some have pulled out their resources, some have given time, and some have rendered service to anyone who is heavily burdened.
"And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you see that you also excel in this grace of giving."
2 Corinthians 8:1-7
They have given out in humility and unconditionally because of the spirit of being one in the Body of Christ and in observation of His law. Not out of comfort or excess but giving from the abundance of their heart. They have given in all forms without holding back to ease the burden and not to transform the burden, they have give out of pure love.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2
"As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Luke 21:1-4
Every kindness done will be rewarded either in heaven or on earth. Jesus Christ has guided all of us accordingly so that our deeds will not be in vain. He wanted us to remain pure even in the act of benefaction. Time may have redefined koinonia but there are brothers and sisters who still remain pure and zealous to its true form. They have embraced the Body of Christ not to display passion but to do what is right. Unavowed they have endowed.
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Matthew 6:1-4
I write not because I have received from you. I write because there are channels and vessels of God's goodness to those who are in most need. I write because in silence you have done what was good and right and that you will not speak of that kindness. I write not to make announcements of you and your deeds but I write to honor you. And I speak more basks of blessings be unto you today as you have given away unconditionally and without reservation. As you have freely received you also freely give, and what your left hand has done your right hand have known not. To you who have given out sacrificially like the widow who walked in the temple, may God forget you not. I pray that may in the presence of the Almighty your name will be honored and in His kingdom your deeds be declared throughout eternity.
The koinonia in Christ lives on because there are channels and vessels of God's goodness among us!
No comments:
Post a Comment