The Daily Word

 

As Christmas approaches, 3 sorts of advertisements increase on the television: those that want us to spend money on festive food, presents and clothes; there is also an increase on those adverts telling us about holidays, particularly those in the sun; and thirdly, charities asking for donations. I’m sure we all give to charities, not necessarily just at Christmas, but at other times too, but we have our hearts (and) purse strings tugged by the needs of people and organisations providing care for people and animals.

The last type of advert reminded me of one of Paul’s exhortations to the church at Ephesus, in Ephesians 4, “……. And be kind to one another.” Surely giving to charities IS being kind to others and whilst Paul may not have had this type of kindness in mind when he wrote these words, they certainly apply to our giving and donations.

However, primarily, Paul intended this exhortation to apply to members of the church, because we, like them, don’t always exhibit kindness. In some respects, if I think back over the history of our church at Featherstone, whilst kindness has always been there, particularly exhibited by some members of the church, like our late sister Barbara, the church hasn’t always exhibited kindness from one member to another. I believe now, there is more an attitude of love and kindness than ever in the church’s history. But, it is down to each member to exhibit kindness, particularly in word and also deed. Love, true God-inspired love, should dominate our fellowship and be the keystone of all our words and actions towards one another.

Article written by Brian Preston, Elder @SFGH Church