12/12/2023
When our inbox is full of requests from people in genuine needs(there are lots of scammers online targeting those they perceive to be rich), I am talking about people with genuine needs and are members of a household of faith. it is an indication that they are not getting support from their household of faith. Let's take care of those around us and reduce this abnormality!
I will also like to implore you, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ out there, belong to a family of God and be involved. Don't have an entitlement mentality,that so long as you are a member of a church, you are their responsibility. No you are not. The Welfare package is just an intervention program not meant to be forever. It is a support system for those in need for a while. And people should take turns to enjoy it. While you have it, ensure to trust God to open new doors for you that once again you are able to rise and in turn ,return to contribute to that support system so that others in need can enjoy it too.
The first set of people the church is obliged to help and those that are unable to live a productive life anymore , immobile. Old, old widows, accident victims (disabled). Next are people involved in sudden tragedy, lost loved ones, lost their jobs and so on. While those that are completely disabled or old or sick are entitled to continuous support, it is only subject to availability of resources. As much as the church has. ( 1 Tim. 5:3, 1Tim 5:5, 1Tim. 5:9, 1 Tim 5:11, 1 Tim 5:16, James 1:27, Acts 9:39, Acts 6:1, Gal. 6:10, Acts 20:35, 1 Thes 5:14)
The rest are free will support from the church. This is at the prerogative of the board/elders of the church. As they chose and for how long. If the church has no administration of support, it will soon go into extinction. There is always a system of running things.
Having said all that , I will assume,under very normal circumstances, we should do our best to help those that are around us. They are the ones we are responsible for to a great extent. Our immediate household of faith. I get requests all the time for support from strangers, a few times I have responded when we could confirm they were authentic( I get support from strangers too, but it is because they can confirm I am a minister of the gospel and my assignment is genuine, but many times it is difficult to tell who is who with individuals, especially with the situation in our country). So my policy and this is scriptural is to focus on those that are of my immediate spiritual family. I know their needs. I can confirm their challenges. It is easier to support such.
So in conclusion, it is just in order not to close our eyes to those in need around us. Let's learn to share. No single individual can help all. I have not been able to help or support everyone and I will never be able to , I am not God. By the wisdom of God, It will take the involvement of all of us to be able to get this done. Let us use this festive season to start out if it is not already a practice. The needy does not only refer to the poor. It is in reference to anyone with needs that you can meet. Remember,it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Shalom!!!
I copied this epistle from
Reverend Femi Adebayo
A great man of God with plenty insight.
I perceive that Reverend Femi
Adebayo’s thoughts on this subject
Will be a great blessing to many on my page
