July 2023
Dear Friends,
Jesus saw the Temple at Jerusalem turned into a business centre by greedy businessmen and reacted sharply. But He also showed us glimpses of self-emptying generosity of a widow in abject poverty. It stood in sharp contrast to self-glorifying giving of the rich (Luke 21:1-6).
God sees! He sees beyond our giving — to the heart of our giving. The rich give thinking, “Who can match my giving?” The poor give thinking, “What does it amount to?” Jesus exposes the emptiness of the rich and affirms the abundant giving of a poor widow.
How is our giving?
Secondly, the rich made sure that their donations were adorning the Temple. They made sure everyone was aware of their giving for generations to come (v5). But Jesus made it clear that all that would be reduced to dust. As we see in Europe, the faith that built magnificent
cathedrals lost its way. Now, there are no faithful followers to fill the pews. Let us invest in the kingdom of God — the poor in spirit and the poor in flesh! Then, we can nurture many – spiritually, emotionally, and physically – into true churches.
Thank you. Many of you invest in PtP which is a counselling ministry. We come alongside many both within and outside of the church to offer spiritual direction to nurture them spiritually, and provide comfort to nurture them emotionally.
Yours in Christ,
Dr. Samson Gandhi
