Always Ready to Share

Sunday - November 21st

Scripture to Read Today: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

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Tell them (the rich in this world) to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

1 Timothy 6:18 NLT

Earlier this month I participated in the memorial service of a man in his fifties who died of COVID. His battle with this dreaded virus ravaged his body. He left behind two teenage daughters. At his memorial, his brother and sister spoke about healing that happened in their families during his time in the hospital. They both spoke so highly of their brother. While they noted his stubborn determination, they also spoke of his kindness and generosity to others.

The man whose life we celebrated impacted many people. A good friend and his niece spoke of the ways he extended himself and his resources to bless other people. The story was told of a homeless man to whom he gave food, clothes, and other basic needs. He developed a friendship with this man in need.

It turns out, the man we were memorializing went so far as to give the homeless man a car. It helped the man get a job and be able to get to his job. Three of the four friends and family who spoke at the memorial said that their departed friend and brother was always ready to share. He gave to others out of what was his. He held no possession or amount of time so precious that he would not give it to someone else.

In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, the Apostle Paul gives the young Pastor Timothy a rather direct and blunt set of instructions to be given to those who are rich in this world. He holds no punch. But, at the same time he speaks of helping the wealthy experience joy and true living. Paul encouraged Timothy to “tell them (the rich in this world) to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others” (1 Timothy 6:18 NLT).

The man for whom the memorial was held knew what it meant to have joy and true life through generosity. He gave willingly with a predisposition to being ready to share with those in need. Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 6 suggest that the reward of this generous man is now being fully realized as He walks with Jesus in Heaven!

Just as God readily shares with us what we need, we should always be ready to share with others.