Ro. 12:13a Contribute to the Needs of the Saints…
July 9, 2011We are commanded to love one another (John 15:12). When you love someone, you are aware of their needs. Many of us support missions financially and that is good. Many of us do not “see” the needs in our own church family.
I know that there is a “church mask” that is worn by most of us. It masks the needs we may have. The Holy Spirit can break through that mask by giving us discernment if we are willing to follow His lead. He can also show us how to meet the need in a way that will not produce an enablement of what might be a bad habit (like giving money to an addict). That is a place where the gift of mercy sometimes does more harm than good. But, for the most part, if someone needs financial help and we can help, then do it. If they need friendship, love, compassion, or just to be welcomed and noticed we must be able to fill that need. And if we ourselves are in need, let others know.
I belong to a fellowship where there are no masks for the most part. If someone asks “How are you?” An honest reply usually follows: “fine” is not an acceptable answer. “Hi, how are you?” has become a greeting instead of a question in our society. That’s too bad.
Jesus said in John 13:35 that all men shall know that we are His disciples by our love for one another. So…how’s that going?
juliesramblings 
I have come to rely on the fact that our fellowship (assembly) does not wear that mask, for the most part and that “fine” means we are good, for real.
It allows the blessings of brothership to really take hold and for us to be a true ‘church family’, thereby truly allowing us to reach out to one another and within our community.
I really liked the line where you said:
“He can also show us how to meet the need in a way that will not produce an enablement of what might be a bad habit (like giving money to an addict). That is a place where the gift of mercy sometimes does more harm than good.”
As a parent teaches a child; we must use discernment and wisdom enough to see that we are enabling a hinderance, rather than giving a helping hand up.
I love this post! Thank you.