Contribute to the Saints
Giving
Contribute to the needs of
the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Paul wrote these words in his letter to the Romans
to introduce his theological teachings to them.
A paraphrased version is “ When God’s children are in need, you be the
one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner
or, if they need lodging, for the night.”
Most of us are used to entertaining dinner guests
and at times overnight visitors who are usually family or friends who have come
to visit. What would it be like to
extend hospitality to those in need? All
of us have seen news reports of the devastation that Katrina has caused in the
south. One of the many stories of those
who extended hospitality to the victims of this disaster was of a family in
Lancaster, Pa who took in twenty-seven family members. They gave them a roof over their heads, food
on their table and all of their every day basic needs. I thought to myself what a heartwarming story
of humanity that was. We have heard
endless stories of hospitality and compassion by so many other people during
the trying times since the hurricane.
The members of Holy Trinity have a heartwarming
history of showing compassion to others.
We have showed concern and care to our soldiers in Iraq by sending them
letters, care packages and our prayers.
We show our support for those who are ill or housebound by sending
meals, offering assistance and sending Easter baskets just to say we are
thinking of you. Holy Trinity’s WELCA
holds three events a year that many members of the congregation participate in
to raise monies for various charities.
Those funds go to many nonprofit organizations throughout Monmouth and
Ocean counties. The funding provides aid
to those who live amongst that have various needs that most of us have never
had to endure. Many blankets have been provided to Project Linus and several
trips a year are made to the Women’s Shelter to bring them gifts of comfort. The congregation’s yearly Christmas Card
bulletin board provides funds for others around the world in need.
Some of us may not be able to house an additional
twenty-seven people in our homes or adopt two baby girls from China as my
cousin Ellyn has done. The ways we can
extend hospitality and contribute to the needs of the saints are endless. By
participating in groups such as WELCA, Social Ministries and other
organizations within the church gives us the opportunity to follow Paul’s
preaching. There are many things we can do as a family or an individual. Perhaps you can set an extra plate at your
table for someone who is going to spend a holiday dinner alone or you can ask
if an elderly neighbor needs assistance.
Do you know a single Mom who could use a baby sitter occasionally? Do you know a child that needs a mentor?
While it is important to provide for the physical and emotional needs of others it is most important that you do not forget to pray for them in your daily prayers.
Dear Lord,
I am so thankful for the many blessings
and gifts that you have so generously bestowed upon me. Please help me to keep my heart and eyes open
to the needs of others. Let me not
forget Paul’s words of extending compassion and hospitality as I go about my
daily activities.
Amen
Nancy M. Smarr