“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing” -2 Thessalonians 3:13(KJV)
One of the evidence of a true Christian is the benevolent spirit. The Christian lifestyle should exhibit the act of benevolence which Apostle Paul refers to here as “well doing”. To be weary is to be tired. It is expressive of fatigue. In this Epistle Paul was addressing believers in Thessalonica among which were some that work disorderly, not productively employed but were busybodies among the saints. He admonished them to, in quietness, find something doing. In order words they should be gainfully employed and feed themselves. Finding something to do will occupy these individuals and consequently shift their attention away from being nosy and meddlesome. Irrespective of these persons, Apostle Paul was encouraging and advising believers not to relent in well doing.
Though there are always the chronic beggars group in the church, that should not discourage us from well doing. Giving to the poor is commanded by God. Job talked about his youth when the secret of the LORD was upon his tabernacle. Expounding further, Job stated what the secret was that made him the richest man in the east in his days. In Job 29:12-17, he enumerated the secrets as follows:- verse 12-Delivered and protected the poor and the fatherless, verse 13-He was blessed by the man he helped from perishing and caused the widow’s heart to sing with joy, verse 14-He dealt righteously and rendered true judgement, verse 15-He provided help to the blind and lame, verse 16-He was father to the poor. These are salient qualities of a benevolent heart. It is of no wonder that he was the richest man in the east in his time.
We are admonished in Romans 12:10(KJV) “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another”. We must demonstrate well doing among ourselves and show the world what it is to be Christ-like. We are not going to relent because a few individuals abuse the privilege. Paul further enjoin us in Romans 12: 13(KJV), “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality”. Giving and receiving in Love and in honour preferring one another adds colour and dignity to the Christian faith. Going beyond being a scriptural injunction, giving to the poor in righteousness guarantees your unending favour from God. It is the easiest way to attract God to your cause. “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack” -Prov. 28:27a(KJV). “There is he that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. Prov. 11:24(KJV). Giving to the need of the poor and needy releases divine assistance and favour. Heaven will always move to meet you at the point of your need because you attended to the poor and needy.
Prayer: Oh’ Lord make me a channel of blessing to the poor and needy.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo