Our Daily Bread June 21
The Man in Seat 2D / By:Kirsten Holmberg Be rich in good deeds, and [be] generous and willing to share.
1 Timothy 6:18
Today's Scripture & Insight:
1 Timothy 6:17–19 (NIV):
17 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.
Kelsey navigated the narrow airplane aisle with her eleven-month-old daughter, Lucy, and Lucy’s oxygen machine. They were traveling to seek treatment for her baby’s chronic lung disease. Shortly after settling into their shared seat, a flight attendant approached Kelsey, saying a passenger in first class wanted to switch seats with her. With tears of gratitude streaming down her face, Kelsey made her way back up the aisle to the more spacious seat, while the benevolent stranger made his way toward hers.
Kelsey’s benefactor embodied the kind of generosity Paul encourages in his letter to Timothy. Paul told Timothy to instruct those in his care with the command to “do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). It’s tempting, Paul says, to become arrogant and put our hope in the riches of this world. Instead, he suggests that we focus on living a life of generosity and service to others, becoming “rich” in good deeds, like the man from seat 2D on Kelsey’s flight. Whether we find ourselves with plenty or in want, we all can experience the richness of living generously by being willing to share what we have with others. When we do, Paul says we will “take hold of the life that is truly life” (v. 19).
Today’s Hymns:
I will serve You (Thee)
A Gift To You
Scripture to Respond:
Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Reflection:
Is there anyone who is always generous and pleased to share with you?
Are you glad to share what you have so that others can experience God’s grace?
Prayer:
Dear God, when we regain hope in You,
Please make me willing to sacrifice for others.
Wong Wai Tung
(Chief executive officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) &
Sam Chow
(Administrative officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation)
Translated by Esther Leung
