“As it is written, he that had gathered much had nothing over and he that had gathered little had no lack” – 2 Cor. 8:15 (KJV).
The scripture admonish us to bear one another’s burden as part of our fellowship. This involves material, spiritual and financial provisions. We do this with the understanding that people are not at the same level. While some are favoured with money and material things, others are not so favoured. Christian love makes it possible for the welfare of the less privileged to be met by sharing and caring for others. The apostles exemplified this by having things in common and providing for the needs of the poor and the less privilege. This can only be possible where believers understand that they are stewards of the blessings of God. God is the source and sustainer of all blessings. He only can claim ownership of everything; we are mere stewards of the manifold blessings of God. This knowledge and understanding makes caring for other believers achievable.
However, care must be taken to see that believers do not abuse this privilege by being burden to perceived rich Christians. The bible makes it clear that those who do not work should not eat.
While Galatians 6:2 encouraged and commands believers to bear one another’s burden, the fifth verse commands every man to bear his own burden. The word of God admonishes every Christian to work to support others.
It is unchristian for believers to live in affluent while other fellow believers in their world of influence live in lack and abject poverty. It is ungodly to close our eyes and harden the heart, insensitive to the needs of believers and people around us. The word of God admonishes us to do good to all men as much as it lies within our strength, but stressed that our priority should be those of the household of faith. It is by showing love one to another that the needs of the less privileged can be met and the world will see that we are Christ’s disciples.
PRAYER: Help me Lord not to be selfish or stingy with your blessings in my life.
Rev. Vincent Diolu