Bible Reading: Psalm 97,98,99; Romans 16
“I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.” Romans 16:1-2 (KJV)
There are so many areas of service today in the church that glorifies God and blesses man. One of them is in the area of help or assistance to people in the church. As the church is expanding daily in line with the word of God, there is a growing number of believers whose needs, not only spiritual but physical or material, must be taken care of. In the first church, we were made to understand in Acts 2:44-45 (KJV), “And all they that believed were together, and had all things common; [45] And sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”
Meeting the needs of fellow believers made the first church even stronger and united. The world is filled with so many challenges today that are affecting even Christians. So many people lost their jobs during the Corona virus pandemic. Life changed for so many as they could hardly feed nor send their children to school. It will be very difficult to comfortably be in service with all these challenges if one is not assisted. There is a greater need more than before to assist fellow members, whether individually or corporately as a church.
Sister Phoebe took the assistance to a great level as an individual. Paul described her as a succourer of many. The assistance and support in times of hardship and distress is what makes one a succourer. The church needs many in this area of assistance to the needy, not only because of the after-effects of the pandemic but it is good works. Good works are those woks that impact people positively and ultimately bring glory to God. Galatians 6:9 (KJV), “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Assisting others, especially those in the household of God should be at the top of our minds. The miracles a lot of people look forward to, I have noticed over the years lies in so called little acts of kindness you never knew would be appreciated. Remember also that one day you may be the one in need; it may not be physical or material. Ephesians 6:8 (KJV) says, “… whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord…” God takes note of this acts of kindness to people.
Action Plan: take a closer look at members of your church and as you are led assist in that area you can sustain over a period. Before long you will see God coming in fully to expand it for you.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu