Free Gift!
What do you think when you hear those words? I know the first thought that comes to my mind. “Ok … what do you want?” I’m suspicious that if I don’t have to spend money, then what I’ll have to spend is some of my time.
And when someone I don’t know says, “I’ve got some good news for you!” I have a similar reaction. I wonder to myself, “I wonder where this is going…”
I love gifts. Who doesn’t? But it helps a lot to know the occasion because it alleviates my suspicion. I appreciate advice, and I love encouragement. But it helps to know the person who’s offering it to me, because I receive it better from those I know and trust.
When Jesus sent his disciples out on their first missionary trip, Luke says:
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. –Luke 9:1-2
Darrell Bock comments: “Preaching God’s Word and performing deeds of compassionate service complement one another. To teach that God loves sinners means evidencing that compassion in the ability to meet human needs.”
Jesus teaches us that good news and good deeds go together. This doesn’t need to be complicated. As disciples of Jesus, serve others in word and deed. When offering words of encouragement to others to trust in God, ask how you can help or simply offer to help. When you serve another person with a good work, speak a word of encouragement. And as the Apostle Paul wrote:
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Seeking Jesus and Serving Others Together,
Pastor Ryan
PILGRIM COVENANT CHURCH 