The Ponca Indian tradition of giving away all material possessions of the deceased, throughout the year following death, is a great example of giving in a way that few of us understand.
Yesterday was our last lesson in the series, The Corinthian Connection. We looked at Corinth's heart behind their giving. Paul didn't want to guilt the Church in Corinth into giving. He challenged them to give out of love and devotion to God instead of their own selfish wishes and desires.
I believe Paul's encouragement to us is the same as it was to the Corinthians. He’s challenging us to change our perspective and begin to see giving and the passing of the offering plate as something spiritual, not worldly.
We have to understand what an opportunity we have each time we give to God. The act of giving is supernatural and can help us in our own healing and restoration in every need.
Maybe you have heard it said that we should "give until it hurts." Saints, I've searched throughout the Bible and I cannot find that concept in God's Word! It is not about giving until it hurts… it is about giving until it heals.
Think again about the Ponca Indian tradition and understand the healing of grief that occurs over a year of giving. Can't we apply this concept of giving to every need for healing? I sure think so.
True giving never hurts and keeping never heals. So, until He calls us home, until He returns for His bride, as long as the need is there, we must keep giving until we see healing!
Next week, I will begin a new series called "Scrambled Eggs" in which we’ll be looking at a number of things over the next 5 - 6 weeks that answers the question, "Why bad things happen to good people?" Come expecting an encounter with God.
Give until it heals.
Love,
Pastor Steve
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