Pastors Desk Details

Good morning brethren, I would like to share a brief exhortation with us on the topic “Be a blessing, and not a burden.” Our anchor Scripture is Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” My aim today is to encourage every believer to live a life of love, kindness, generosity, compassion and practical support towards others. Please note that God has not called us to live selfish lives, concerned only about our personal needs, comfort and achievements. As believers, we are called to become channels of God’s blessings to others. So, what does it mean to be a blessing? It means making life better for someone through our words, actions, resources, prayers, encouragement and love. Furthermore, it means being someone who brings hope where there is discouragement, peace where there is conflict, help where there is need, and encouragement where there is weakness. On the other hand, being a burden means continually making life difficult for others through selfishness, irresponsibility, unnecessary conflict, negativity or refusing to contribute when we are able to help. As believers, we should not deliberately become a source of unnecessary hardship to those around us. Hence, our responsibility is to receive help with humility and give help with love.

Matthew 20:28 says “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Jesus Christ is our perfect example. He did not come to be served but to serve others. One of the ways to become a blessing, or an instrument through which God expresses His goodness to other people, is through acts of kindness. For example, a kind word can encourage someone who is depressed; a visit can comfort someone who feels forgotten; your prayer for someone going through difficulties can strengthen them; and your listening ear can help someone who feels lonely. A biblical example is Abraham, who was blessed to become a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2). This brings me to the point of encouraging everyone to make their families among the first people to experience the love of Christ through them. Too often, some people are very kind to those outside their homes but become selfish or unkind towards their spouses, children, parents and siblings. Never forget that true Christianity must begin at home. 1 Timothy 5:8 says “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” This Scripture teaches us the importance of taking responsibility for our families. Believers are to demonstrate love practically by showing love and kindness (Ephesians 4:32), providing support and taking responsibility (Galatians 6:5), being emotionally available for one another and, of course, praying for their families. We are also called to be a blessing in the Church of God, and every believer has a responsibility to contribute to its growth and unity. As you attend Church to receive, also be willing to serve, encourage and support others. We can become a blessing in the church by encouraging others (1 Thessalonians 5:11), supporting God’s work (1 Peter 4:10), promoting unity (Ephesians 4:3), supporting struggling members (James 2:15–16). The early Church believers shared what they had so that no one among them would be left in need (Acts 4:32–35). They understood that Christian fellowship involved more than gathering to pray and sing. It also involved practical care. We must be deliberate in building a healthy church through love, sacrifice, generosity and mutual support. We are also called to be a blessing to the wider community. In addition to our responsibilities to our families and fellow church members, we are called to love our neighbours, including people who may not share our faith, background, culture or social status. Our lives should reflect the goodness of God wherever we go (Matthew 5:16). We can bless our community by helping those in need (Proverbs 19:17), being peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), demonstrating kindness to strangers and being people of integrity (Colossians 3:23). Believers are also called to be a blessing through their words. As Christians, our words should bring life, hope and encouragement. Words can build people up or tear them down.

Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…When we speak words of encouragement rather than condemnation, people will be blessed. Correcting people in love rather than humiliating them, avoiding gossip and slander, appreciating people who make sacrifices, and speaking peace rather than stirring up conflict are all ways through which we can be a blessing to others. Our Christian love is also demonstrated through giving without expecting repayment. Luke 6:35 says “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again…” Jesus teaches us to demonstrate generosity and compassion without selfish motives. This means helping someone who cannot repay you, forgiving someone who has hurt you, encouraging someone who cannot offer you anything in return, and serving faithfully even when nobody applauds you. However, in our desire not to become a burden, we should avoid developing attitudes that make others continually carry responsibilities that we ought to be handling ourselves. We must avoid attitudes of selfishness, irresponsibility, constant negativity, ingratitude and division. That being said, as believers, we should never feel ashamed of needing help, but we should be willing to grow, take responsibility and become people who can also help others. Jesus is our perfect example of being a blessing. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, forgave sinners, welcomed children and washed His disciples’ feet, among many other things. In conclusion, I would like us to ask ourselves these questions am I a blessing to the people around me? Does my presence bring peace or tension? Do people feel encouraged or discouraged after interacting with me? Am I using what God has given me to help others? God has placed us in families, churches, workplaces and communities so that we can become instruments of His love. Let us not be Christians who only want to receive but never give. Let us not be people who demand kindness but refuse to show kindness. Rather, let us be people whose presence brings peace, whose words bring encouragement, whose hands bring assistance and whose hearts are full of compassion. I pray that the Lord will give us compassionate hearts, in Jesus name. Our Worker’s meeting begins at 9:45 am, and the main Service starts at 10:15 am. God’s blessings – Mike