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distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Selfless sharing is a sure sign of a committed Christian.<\/p>\n The Greek word translated \u201cdistributing<\/span>\u201d is koinonointes<\/em><\/span>, which is derived from the word koinonia,<\/em><\/span> meaning \u201cto have things in common\u201d or \u201cto share things with others.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n The word \u201cneeds<\/span>\u201d is from chreia<\/em><\/span>, a form of chreos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201ca debt.\u201d In the current usage, chreia<\/em> <\/span>refers to \u201cthat which someone is lacking or has need of.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSaints<\/span>\u201d is a translation of the Greek word hagios<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201csomething that inspires awe.\u201d It is the word which is often translated as \u201choly\u201d particularly in reference to the holiness of God. It also carries with it the notion of being \u201cset apart.\u201d Specifically, it refers to something that is set apart from common use and set apart to be used for God.<\/p>\n The words \u201cgiven to<\/span>\u201d are from di\u014dk\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto pursue\u201d or \u201cto persecute.\u201d<\/p>\n Continuing on with Paul\u2019s description of how Christians ought to live their lives, he says that we should be, \u201cdistributing to the needs of the saints.<\/span>\u201d Let us first address the term \u201csaints<\/span>.\u201d 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 \u201csaints;\u201d instead, it refers to those who have been set apart by God, those who have been saved by God\u2019s grace. Hence, all Christians are saints.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t have very much can share some of what we have with other Christians who have even less.<\/p>\n 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,<\/p>\n Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so<\/span> doing<\/em> <\/span>some have unwittingly entertained angels. <\/span>(Hebrews 13:2<\/span>)<\/p>\n Also, in Matthew\u2019s gospel Jesus taught:<\/p>\n He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.<\/span> (Matthew 10:40<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n If we are truly in God\u2019s family then we should show all kindness in sharing with our brothers and sisters in the Lord!<\/p>\n Application<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019t seem to smile very often.<\/p>\n Do you smile a lot?<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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