Category Archives: Needs

A woman feeding an elderly person a bite of food at a table with plates and glasses
Bible, Giving, Hospitality, Needs, Pursue, Romans, Scripture

DO UNTO OTHERS

ROMANS 12:13

“contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”

I am so thankful for the supporters of our ministry with Every Man A Warrior. These supporters, some monthly, some annually and some sporadically, are so appreciated. They are truly what keeps us going. They share from the resources the Lord has blessed them with. They are doing exactly what Paul is talking about today in verse 13. Let’s take a look.

Paul uses a Greek word for “contributing” that I am sure you have heard before. It’s koinóneó which literally means to share with other people. It can also mean to be partaker or an associate with someone else. You have probably heard the noun form before. It’s koinonia which means fellowship or contribution. Then Paul tells us to be “practicing hospitality.” The verb “practicing” is really an interesting word. It’s diókó, and we’ll look closer at it later.

APPLICATION

Back to koinóneó. This word is used eight times in the New Testament where it is often translated as “sharing.” Later in Romans 15:27 we read, “For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things,” where Paul refers to the things the Gentiles have shared with the Jewish believers. And another verse that I really like where this word is used is Galatians 6:6. “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” Sharing with our brethren is an important practice for the body of Christ.

Diṓkō means to “aggressively chase, like a hunter pursuing a catch (prize). Diṓkō is used positively (earnestly pursue) and negatively (zealously persecute, hunt down). In each case, diṓkō means pursue with all haste (chasing after), earnestly desiring to overtake (apprehend).” (HELPS Word-studies) That’s an interesting way to talk about be hospitable, isn’t it. I’ve known people who practice this gift without hesitation. They welcome people in their homes or give them what they may need without any thought of being repaid.

How can we do these two things better? I can only think of one – be more like Christ. Put others before us. Be more selfless. That’s hard, isn’t it? But we are told to do this continually. Both of these words are in the Present Tense. That means to keep doing it. Ask the Lord how He wants you to put these two things into practice more. He will lead you to those in need.

Open my eyes, Lord, to see those around me who I can assist.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Interests, Ministry, Needs, Others, Prayer, Scripture

THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS

PHILIPPIANS 2:4

“do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

As I am writing this devotion this morning, my across the street neighbor is having some type of medical emergency. I have only talked to him a few times as he just moved in a while ago. However, I know he is a believer. We have talked about that. So, as I watch the EMTs go into his house, I am lifting a prayer for him. Today’s verse really hit home this morning.

Paul continues his thought from the previous few verses in today’s verse. He is saying that it is not just about us. We need to keep the needs of others before our own. I read this description of this thought. “To ‘look upon’ here is something more than ‘to seek.’ It expresses that insight into the thoughts, hopes, aspirations of others, which only a self-forgetting love can give, as well as the care to consider their welfare and happiness.” (Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers) Do you have that “self-forgetting” love for others?

APPLICATION

This interest in others does not give us license to interfere. Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 warn us about that. “For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.” See also 1 Timothy 5:13 and 1 Peter 4:15. Hmmm, I’ve known a few of those, haven’t you? Don’t be like that.

Instead of meddling in other people’s affairs, show genuine concern and love for them. How is that done? First of all, pray for others. Ask them how you can pray for them and then do it. Pray right there for them. Nothing softens the heart like prayer. And if that prayer needs some “feet” to it, do what you can to meet that need.

Back to my neighbor – the ambulance just drove off. I did not run over while the EMTs were there as that would have been meddling. I will go over later today and find out how I can pray. Perhaps I can go to the hospital and check on him. Putting feet to prayers is a good thing. Whatever you do, be genuine. Show Christ’s love to others in the same way He would have.

Lord, give me Your compassion and love for others and show me how to meet their needs if appropriate.

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