Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
CHRISTIAN GIVING
Luke 6:27-38
" Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone take takes away your goods, do not ask for them again" ( Luke 6:30)
Luke 6:27-38
" Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone take takes away your goods, do not ask for them again" ( Luke 6:30)
Transformed giving in a materialistic world
Jesus walked the roads and footpaths of Galilee announcing the startling news that the long-expected kingdom of peace and righteousness was at hand. Economic relationships in the new community of his followers were a powerful sign confirming this awesome announcement. Certainly, Jesus disappointed popular Jewish expectations. He did not recruit an army to drive out the Roman oppressor. But he called and trained disciples with new values, ethics and way of living, which upholds transformed living.
Community of Jesus — This text talks about the very nature of the visible community inaugurated through Christ on earth during a particular historical time. Jesus teaches that the community, which follows him, should uphold the values of the promised kingdom in a particular living space and public sphere. Jesus redefines the very nature of the relationship of this community including economic relationship. Luke 6:27-35 discusses about love, forgiveness, peace and sharing which govern social, economic, and religious patterns of life.
Voluntary dispossession of self for another- Jesus invites people to his community of love to find joy and security in reciprocity and mutuality. Jesus teaches his followers to find their identity in other-centerdness and unselfish and sacrificial giving. In this community, individual or self is not important but the other person is important. Jesus demands a new way of life where people don't think about themselves but think about the needs of others. Jesus thus inaugurated a new social order -- a new kingdom of faithful followers who were to be accountable for one another. Jesus inaugurated an unselfish community which never thought of accumulation, hoarding and profit-driven relationships.
Jesus calls us to be the part of a transformed community where God and Community are important than self. It is a call to consider every human being as part of our identity and existence where God is in the center.
Community of Jesus — This text talks about the very nature of the visible community inaugurated through Christ on earth during a particular historical time. Jesus teaches that the community, which follows him, should uphold the values of the promised kingdom in a particular living space and public sphere. Jesus redefines the very nature of the relationship of this community including economic relationship. Luke 6:27-35 discusses about love, forgiveness, peace and sharing which govern social, economic, and religious patterns of life.
Voluntary dispossession of self for another- Jesus invites people to his community of love to find joy and security in reciprocity and mutuality. Jesus teaches his followers to find their identity in other-centerdness and unselfish and sacrificial giving. In this community, individual or self is not important but the other person is important. Jesus demands a new way of life where people don't think about themselves but think about the needs of others. Jesus thus inaugurated a new social order -- a new kingdom of faithful followers who were to be accountable for one another. Jesus inaugurated an unselfish community which never thought of accumulation, hoarding and profit-driven relationships.
Jesus calls us to be the part of a transformed community where God and Community are important than self. It is a call to consider every human being as part of our identity and existence where God is in the center.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to open our minds for others and for their existence. Lord, give us enough boldness to share Your Resources (now we claim as our resources) with others, which you have entrusted to us. Amen
Lord, help us to open our minds for others and for their existence. Lord, give us enough boldness to share Your Resources (now we claim as our resources) with others, which you have entrusted to us. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Christ gave himself for us. What can we give to him?
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church