“Don’t forget [...] to share what you have” (15 mins.) Discussion with the audience.
How would Paul's advice benefit Christians who put it into practice?
Paul’s counsel would benefit Christians in at least two ways. First, it would strengthen their relationship with Jehovah, because helping others is a form of worship that pleases him. Knowing that our actions please Jehovah gives us deep spiritual satisfaction.
Second, it would increase their personal happiness and well-being. By fulfilling this mandate, they would experience for themselves the truth that “there is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” Furthermore, by sharing their time and resources, they would combat selfishness and experience the joy of giving and helping those in need.
Considering what will happen in the future, why is it important that we learn now to share what we have?
It is important that we learn now to share what we have because, in the future, we may face difficult situations that are beyond our control.
We train our hearts. Being generous from now on will help us overcome selfishness and not depend on material things to feel secure. Furthermore, learning to share allows us to break our attachment to material possessions and see resources as a means to help others, not as our source of security.
Strengthen your network of fraternal support. If we naturally practice mutual support, we can become safe havens when times of true need arrive. Those who learn to give foster a culture where we can all care for and help one another when resources are scarce.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:2-4 (2Co 8:2 study note, nwtsty).
What do we learn from the good example of the congregations in Macedonia?
We learn that true generosity depends not on how much money we have, but on the attitude of our hearts. The Christians in Macedonia, though poor, had great joy and a desire to help their brothers and sisters. Moreover, they considered giving a privilege and an honor, not an obligation. Likewise, we want to help joyfully and willingly support the needs of our brothers and sisters and the organization, without letting our circumstances prevent us from doing so.
Besides material things, what else can we share?
In addition to material things, we can share our time, our physical strength, and our skills. We can also listen patiently, offer emotional comfort, and support those who are suffering or lonely. For example, we can help an older brother with his daily chores or assist in cleaning the Kingdom Hall. In these ways, we demonstrate our love and experience the joy that comes from giving of ourselves.
Play the video Become Jehovah's Friend: Learn to Share. Then ask:
Jehovah shares his things. What does that teach us?
Jehovah shares his creation with all of us. This teaches us to be generous and to share what we have with others. Furthermore, we learn that sharing not only benefits those who receive, but also makes us happy.
Just as Jehovah enjoys giving good things to his servants, we find greater joy when we share with others. Therefore, instead of acting selfishly, we want to imitate Jehovah and give cheerfully.
Comments
Post a Comment