Romans 12:13 – Pursuit of Generosity
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Truth to Learn
Selfless sharing is a sure sign of a committed Christian.
Behind the Words
The Greek word translated “distributing” is koinonointes, which is derived from the word koinonia, meaning “to have things in common” or “to share things with others.” Thus we see that the command is not to distribute to the less fortunate what the more fortunate have donated. Paul is telling us to give of our own possessions to meet the needs of others.
The word “needs” is from chreia, a form of chreos, meaning “a debt.” In the current usage, chreia refers to “that which someone is lacking or has need of.”
“Saints” is a translation of the Greek word hagios, meaning “something that inspires awe.” It is the word which is often translated as “holy” particularly in reference to the holiness of God. It also carries with it the notion of being “set apart.” Specifically, it refers to something that is set apart from common use and set apart to be used for God.
The words “given to” are from diōkō, meaning “to pursue” or “to persecute.”
Meaning Explained
Continuing on with Paul’s description of how Christians ought to live their lives, he says that we should be, “distributing to the needs of the saints.” Let us first address the term “saints.” It does not refer to someone who has been canonized by the Roman Catholic Church even though they are referred to by the Church as “saints;” instead, it refers to those who have been set apart by God, those who have been saved by God’s grace. Hence, all Christians are saints.
What we are told here is that we should willingly share what we have with fellow Christians who are in need. Even those of us who think we don’t have very much can share some of what we have with other Christians who have even less.
Paul also tells us that we should be pursuing hospitality, not just being willing, but actively pursuing such opportunities. This was a necessary virtue in the first century, when houses of public accommodation were scarce. It is not so much a necessity today in our society, which may be one reason why we have become more isolated from each other rather than more closely engaged with one another. One never knows who a stranger really is, for in the book of Hebrews we are told,
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. (Hebrews 13:2)
Also, in Matthew’s gospel Jesus taught:
He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. (Matthew 10:40)
If we are truly in God’s family then we should show all kindness in sharing with our brothers and sisters in the Lord!
Application
I have known some Christians who are constantly looking for opportunities to share what they have to meet the needs of others. These people are usually smiling. I have also seen Christians who hoard what they possess and seldom give to those in need. These people don’t seem to smile very often.
Do you smile a lot?
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to: