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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Making Poverty History” Making poverty history means making a conscious attempt to eradicate or eliminate poverty. Poverty is the condition where a person lacks the means to afford the necessities of life.  We shall reflect on the fact that making poverty history requires our mutual or collective effort of generosity toward those who are poor.

Beloved in the Lord, making poverty history requires our collective generosity to satisfy the needs of others. Acts 4:32-37 depicts the early church as a unified community characterised by shared possessions and profound generosity, stemming from their unity in heart and mind. Believers sold their lands and houses, bringing the money to the apostles for distribution to those in need, resulting in no one being poor among them. Joseph, also known as Barnabas, is highlighted as an example of this selfless spirit when he sold a field and donated the proceeds to the community. We are called to emulate members of the early church by carrying one another’s burdens in the church. In every church, there are some who are poor and those who are wealthy. We are expected to strengthen the bond of our Christian fellowship by sharing with those who are poor, even as we encourage and appreciate those who are wealthy for their contributions. The church is beyond a mere social gathering. It is a family where everyone’s needs must be catered for physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. Paul admonished us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2)

Believers in the Lord, we are greatly encouraged to share with those who are in need, even as we trust God to provide our needs. Jesus warns us against covetousness when He said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15). We have been admonished by Paul through his letter to Timothy, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Again, we are told by Paul, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work…You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8,11)

In summary, we have discovered that making poverty history is a willful and collective act of generosity to those who struggle or have no means to acquire the necessities of life. No one should experience poverty in the church of Christ since we have been blessed to be a blessing to the poor.

PRAYER

May the Lord bless us abundantly to make poverty a history in our congregations and societies. May we be obedient to Jesus’ assurance and command, (“Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:8) Amen.