In our home, we have a room that we rent out. Several people have stayed there, and only some have become part of our extended family. What made the difference? Those who were willing to give, receive, and ask.
In a family, the dynamic of giving, receiving, and asking is fulfilled. Each family member, according to their capacity, contributes financially for food, helps with cleaning and house maintenance. You receive help from others to make the household function (for example, if you arrive late from work, you find hot food that someone has already prepared). And you definitely ask: Can I have seconds?
Those who became part of our family not only used the room but shared with the family, helped in its maintenance, showed interest in us, and allowed us to show interest in them.
Similarly, in the family of faith, the dynamic of giving, receiving, and asking is essential and part of the kingdom's culture. We give our time to pray for others, to build walls, to teach classes, to give advice, etc. All according to the gifts God has given us. We receive ministry, we receive time, we receive financial help, etc. But we must also have the humility to ask when we need help, whether it's for a move, food, encouragement, advice, or even a reprimand or correction.
And this brings unity to the body of Christ and glorifies God.
"Cheerfully open your home to those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen." 1 Peter 4:9-11 NLT
As you can see in this portion of the Bible, the apostle Peter refers to a number of gifts (which are not all, of course), which come from God. The gift of hospitality, the gift of helping, the gift of serving, the gift of speaking, the gift of giving advice, etc. Any gift you have comes from God and is to glorify Him. Therefore, every time you do something for others, remember it is so the other person recognizes that it is God who is interested in every detail of their life.
Written by Celia Guevara based on the sermon of 07/13/2024.
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