Holy Money Matters

Living as One Body in Christ

Romans 15:26-27:

Dear Reader - I was struck today while reading Romans 15 about how beautifully Paul describes this connection between the Gentile and Jewish believers. It's amazing to think about what happened in Macedonia and Achaia - these Gentile believers freely chose to send money to help their Jewish brothers and sisters in Jerusalem who were struggling.

What really touches my heart is the natural flow of it all. The Jerusalem believers had shared Christ - the greatest spiritual gift possible - with the Gentiles. And in response, the Gentiles felt moved to share their material blessings. Not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude. They "were pleased to do it," as Paul writes.

I keep thinking about how radical this was. These were people who would never have associated with each other before Christ. The Jews had viewed Gentiles as unclean, as outsiders. And now here they were, caring for each other as family. What a testimony to the transforming power of Christ!

It makes me reflect on my own life and relationships. Where do I see this kind of mutual care and sharing? Am I as willing to give materially to support others in the body of Christ? Do I recognize the spiritual debts I owe to those who have shared Christ with me?

The whole passage shows me what genuine spiritual transformation looks like - it always flows out into practical expressions of love. When Christ truly works in our hearts, it affects our wallets, our resources, our willingness to care for others in tangible ways.

Lord, help me to live out this kind of practical love in my own relationships within the body of Christ. Let me be as willing and pleased to share materially as these early believers were.

Note to self: Come back to this passage when thinking about practical ways to support brothers and sisters in need. This isn't just ancient history - it's a pattern for us today.

Until tomorrow

Chaplain Mark