Subject: Sell what you have-give alms |
Bible Note: Jeff - okay, I read the entire chapter Luke 12, and I don't find the theme to be charitable giving. In fact what I read is a teaching that we are not to worry about the future. Do not fear those who kill the body, but fear God who has the power to throw you into hell. Not the birds of the air does God forget, how much more will He care for His children. Jesus gives a parable of a rich man who plans well for retirement and stores up things for himself but is not rich with God. Then Jesus says in verse 22, do not worry about your life, what you eat, or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens, they do not sow or reap yet God feeds them. How much more valuable we are than birds. Jesus says consider how the lilies grow, they do not labor or spin, yet God keeps them clothed, how much more will He clothe you. O you of little faith. Jesus says do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink, do not worry about it, your Father knows that you need them. In verses 33-34, (NIV) "Sell your possessions and give to the poor..." In your words Jeff "Jesus is not saying sell all of your possessions, leaving yourself without means of living and giving it all away." Quite the contrary, Jesus is saying DO NOT WORRY about anything. Sell what you have and give alms, DO NO WORRY is the message. The context of the surrounding verses is Do Not Worry!. I don't understand how you arrived at "charitable giving." I have read chapter 12 over and over and there is nothing pertaining to charitable giving. Help! |