stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 4:18-20)

The Apostle Paul was thankful for the generosity of the Philippian churches in the tough seasons of his ministry. They supplied “more than enough” (v. 18) to the point that Paul was “amply supplied.” Reading this verse reminded me of when my dad gave a few hundred dollars to a man in our church who had been injured and could not work. We went to his house one Sunday morning before church, and my dad said, “Here’s some money the Lord told me to give you to help your family during your time of need.” The man was overwhelmed and thanked my dad immensely. Later, the man felt the need to return some of the money as the rest of the gift was plenty for his need. My dad asked him to keep it as he could still not return to work for several weeks. I admired my dad’s generosity and the man’s integrity!

Paul’s acknowledgment of being fully supplied helped the Philippians know he did not still desire them to give more. Asking for more when given some can be considered rude and ungrateful. I remember assisting a family with a $300 electric bill and $200 in groceries. With the other benevolence needs in the church, that’s all we could help with that month. What they said next shocked me. He replied, “That’s all? We need help with our gas bill also.” I looked at him momentarily in disbelief and thought about my response. My first thought wasn’t very holy. My second wasn’t either.

The Holy Spirit knows how to give us the right words if we are patient. I said, “That’s all the church can assist you with this month, but I would personally be willing to pay your gas bill.” I carefully communicated it sincerely, as that was my heart’s desire. He apologized, explaining that he spoke in haste because of the stress he was under and the embarrassment he was experiencing in having to ask for help. We prayed through the situation, and I still paid his gas bill. I didn’t hold it over his head. Because I had received mercy and forgiveness from the Lord, I also desired to extend it to them. Through the experience, his attitude softened, and our relationship strengthened. 

We never know what others are going through. We must be careful to give and communicate in a way that is a “fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” I believe the primary way “God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” is through the generosity of the local church. While we must be careful not to be taken advantage of, the Lord knows the motives of the giver and receiver and will judge righteously.

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Is your giving and receiving full of humility and integrity?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Read 1 Corinthians 4:7. We have everything because of the Lord’s provision and generosity. How does this frame your outlook on generosity? 

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Knowing we are amply supplied, how can you use your resources to bless others this week?