“Do not forget to entertain strangers…Remember the prisoners as if chained with them.” Heb 13:2-3
The Church of Jesus Christ has always stood head and shoulders above every other institution as excelling in generosity. From its infancy when believers sold their possessions to assure that not a single member of their community would be in need, to the present when this year the American church will donate a whopping $150 Billion, Christians have always been hilarious givers. It’s no wonder. Those who are bighearted have discovered a hidden source of joy—God says He loves those who love to give (2 Cor 9:7).
It’s not just about dollars either. Our benevolence is expressed in so many ways. A disciple named Judas (Act 9:11) opened his home on Straight St in Damascus to the very man who was en route from Jerusalem to drag him and fellow believers ruthlessly to prison. Yet another, saved only a few hours, harbored and nursed bloodied Paul and fellow prisoners at his home in the middle of the night, then served them all a meal. As the guard of the prison, he knew it could cost him his life. He did it anyway (Act 16:33-34).
Jason was a new believer of not more than a few weeks when he sheltered Paul in his home even as the authorities were seeking to brutally arrest him for preaching the gospel (Act 17:5-9). When they did not find Paul, Jason faced the brunt of an angry mob and vile authorities in his place. He knew the risks! Heb 10:32-34 affirms this attitude was common, stating that the early Christians had their properties plundered because they stood in solidarity with those who were being cruelly persecuted for Christ. Scripture says they accepted mistreatment joyfully. Wow!
These virtuous displays have continued to the present. Far and away, Christian charities are the world’s most generous and active, serving people indiscriminately from all faith backgrounds and irrespective of political affiliation or race. My daughter Anna and her husband Nate (both doctors) are soon bringing four of their kids to Egypt for five weeks to volunteer at a medical mission there. Many of us have done similar things, and count these times among the most cherished of all our life’s experiences.
Christians’ response to the Sichuan earthquake in 2008 was so impactful (many stayed for months—even years—others typically lingered for days), that the Communist mayor of Chengdu gathered dozens of House Church leaders to recognize their contribution and personally thank them. When the tsunami destroyed huge swaths of Aceh, Indonesia and other regions in 2004, again, the altruism and roll-up-your-sleeves approach of the Christians from around the world far outshone all other agencies, and brought great honor to the Name of Christ.
Beloved, when we are filled with the Spirit of God, we are instantly and forever transformed. The Father’s heart in us begins to compel us to selfless acts of kindness. It is not just what we are supposed to do; it is who we are! We discover faith in Jesus is so much more than a bunch of slogans or lofty ideals. By nature —and fanned into flame as we consider the nail-scarred Savior’s sacrifice for us—we embody the code that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive (Act 20:35).
At His bidding, we open our wallets, our hands, and our homes. When called upon, we go to the ends of the earth, or lay down our lives. We’re not perfect (yet!), but by any standard, the Bride of Christ sure is a beautiful thing to behold.