Family Ministry Moments - September 2026

Romans 12:13 - "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

Being a Christian was never meant to be just an internal relationship. Our relationship with Christ should be seen on the outside as well. Jesus commanded us to serve others, and in doing so we demonstrate that we belong to Him.

There is a sobering passage in Matthew 25 where Jesus separates people into two groups: the sheep and the goats. The difference between them was not what they claimed, but what their lives revealed. The sheep lived out their faith by serving others. The goats did not. Jesus makes the point that when we serve others, we are actually serving Him. That is an important theological truth. If our faith in Jesus does not change the way we live, is it really faith at all?

Jesus was marked by a care and concern for others. He spent His ministry serving people and, in the end, made the ultimate sacrifice for them. Because Jesus identified Himself with people in need, Paul's command in Romans 12:13 becomes a practical way for us to live out the love of Christ.

When we see people in need, especially fellow believers, we should be compelled to help them. This speaks to the spirit of generosity that should exist in every Christian's life. It should be obvious that we belong to Christ because we care for, and give to, others.

I realize some people are naturally more generous than others. They may even have the spiritual gift of giving; however, that does not excuse those who do not. Just as someone may not have the gift of evangelism and is still called to evangelize, every believer is called to be generous. If you are a stingy Christian, you need to loosen your grip on your wallet and help others.

The real change happens when you realize your money is not really your money. God owns everything and has graciously entrusted some of it to you. You are a manager, not an owner. The question is not, "What should I give from my money?", but rather, "What should I do with God's money?" We must also live as people of faith, trusting that God will take care of us. We do not have to cling tightly to everything we have. We can trust Him and obey Him. When our perspective shifts in these two areas, generosity becomes much easier because trust begins to replace fear.

But generosity is not just about money. I am sure you have heard the phrase, "time, talent, and treasure." It may sound cliché at this point, but it is true. Sometimes it is easy to throw money at a need and move on, but often people need more than that– they need your skills, they need your encouragement, they need your presence, and they need your most valuable resource: your time.

People can be very protective of their time, yet this is often where the love of Christ is seen most clearly. That is why Paul not only tells us to meet needs but also to pursue hospitality. Hospitality is generosity expressed through relationships. It is welcoming others into your life, your home, and your time. Jesus was never selfish with His time. He welcomed people, listened to them, cared for them, and helped them. He gave Himself to others. Generosity is one of the clearest marks of a Christian.

My challenge to you is simple. Learn to trust God by giving. Maybe it starts with something small. Give some of your time to someone who needs help. Use your abilities to serve another person. Meet a need when you see one. Then watch how God uses those simple acts in powerful ways. You will experience the blessing that comes from helping others, but be careful, it can be contagious. Once you start, you may not want to stop.