This year I’m working through the Greek New Testament. Here’s a bit that was in this morning’s text, from Matthew 10. It’s where Jesus is sending out the twelve.
As you go, preach, saying “The kingdom of heaven has drawn near!” heal those who are sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and throw out demons; Freely you received, freely give. (10:7-8)
That last part, about giving to others in the same way that we receive from God, is catching me this morning. It is, perhaps, the simplest and most fundamental concept about ministry I know about. It’s the kind of thing I want to get up and think about every morning, the kind of idea that could change my life if I let it change my days.
Jesus is the Giver. If we want to be like him, if we want to accept his mission, we have to become givers, too. Givers who don’t charge, who don’t give only when they’re paid back. Free, gracious, abundant givers of all we are.
You receive grace? Give it away. Healing? Give it to somebody else. New life? Help somebody else find a new life. Receive some peace in all the things you struggle with? Help somebody else exorcise their demons. God take care of you physically? Make sure the people around you are taken care of in the same way.
Want to be like Jesus? Be a giver. The people around you aren’t just chances to receive, opportunities to take or gain. They also represent the opportunity for you to be a giver.
Get on that. I’ll be next to you.
