16-Feb-25 (Luke 6:17-49)

Paul quips in Romans 6:1, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" meaning, "Should we just keep on sinning so God will have even more to forgive?" With Paul, I'll say, "God forbid."
In just the same way, although Jesus says that the poor, the hungry, the weeping, he does not mean that we should simply let those conditions continue in order that those folks will be blessed. No, just the opposite. Jesus says that one of our primary concerns here on Earth is to take care of the poor and the outcasts, feed the hungry, comfort the sorrowful.
We have one opportunity to do that coming up right now: We can give of our financial resources to meet the needs of those here in this congregation, here in our cities, and all around the world.
Please consider your role in that as we take up our offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me now in a spirit of prayer.
God who blesses those the world tends to overlook, we thank you that you have blessed us in so many ways. Help us to give of the blessings you've given us, our time, our abilities, and our resources, to share your love with a world where there are still poor, hungry, suffering people.
Bless these offerings, that your realm would come closer, and people would see your love and care through us.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Amen.