“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24–25).
The writer of this Hebrews text alludes to “the day” approaching, but none of us has any idea when “the day” will arrive. So, we live out our life of faith by continually living out our mission, listening to the words of grace and hope given to us and answering the call to serve – which includes encouraging others to recognize their own capacity for philanthropy and service.
Sit down with your spouse, partner, children or grandchildren and tell them what is important to you and why you give. The next time you’re sitting around the kitchen table together, try one of these conversation starters: Think of one Bible story or passage that talks about sharing with others. Why is your offering at church important? How can you encourage a friend to “do good”?
This message is excerpted from “Kitchen Table Philanthropy” by Emily Hansen, a 2010 resource of the Women of the ELCA. Today we commemorate Nathan Söderblom, Bishop of Uppsala, 1931.
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