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REFLECTION

Go large is the theme for our reflection. “Go large” is an encouragement to be generous. Famine had it Jerusalem and funds were being raised to support the Jerusalem Church which was the Headquarters of the Early Church. Paul was actively involved in raising funds from the smaller churches to support the Jerusalem Church hence as part of his letter to the Corinthian Church he encourages them to put together their funds for collection. “Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me…Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 13-14)

Dear friend in the Lord, there is an important fact about Christianity all believers have to understand. The Church of Christ is one body although situated in different geographical locations under different denominations. We have a stewardship responsibility to support one another in challenging moments. Indeed we must understand that any money we raise in our churches belongs to the Church Universal, we only hold it in trust and use it for the furtherance of God’s mission and our edification. If we truly understand that everything must be done in love then Christians and churches around the world in the spirit of ecumenism must carry one another’s burdens in the area of financial support and gift in kind to churches greatly hit by natural disasters, the adverse effect of climate change, civil wars and austerity measures. When it comes to going large, churches blessed with resources whether big or small, in the spirit of love, unity and stewardship must have yearly or quarterly financial allocations to support other churches to an appreciable level whereby those other churches can also reach a level where they can also become benefactors to others. This is an essential part of every Church’s mission in the world. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, bless and prosper the church in the world so that she may continually grow large and go large in generosity. Let the Holy Spirit direct the mission of the Church in the 21st Century so that she will remain impactful and fruitful through the spirit of unity, love and kindness. May the Holy Spirit grant well-endowed congregations the insight and the will to always remember the less endowed and distressed congregations as part of their stewardship responsibility and may we always serve and love one another as your disciples to the glory of your Holy name. Amen