Text: Matthew 10:5-14
Memory Verse: ‘Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give’ (Matthew 10:8).
As a Christian, any help you render to any one should be free, with no strings attached. The Lord Jesus Christ instructed his disciples to “heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely, you have received, freely give.” This means every prayer, every counsel, every spiritual exercise you undertake in support of others should be free. Unfortunately, this is not the case today. A pastor once raised a prayer point to the effect that God should afflict a brother with problems for failing to appreciate him for praying for him. His grouse: God answered the brother and he did not reward him.
In the course of the Christian journey, we are meant to help others in various ways. We are to act as instruments in the hand of God to help others. Help could be physical, material, emotional or spiritual. You could help someone to
secure employment, a loan facility, a service, and admission to a higher institution or any other type of help such as prayer, salvation, deliverance, moral support, among others.
The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ must be preached in all parts of the world. There should be no demand on any recipient of the glorious message. Charging people for prayers, demanding for provision of material objects before prayers or spiritual counsel is contrary to God’s expectation of free gospel. The spiritual gifts are for the edification of the Church, not for personal gains. The gospel is not for sale.
Prayer Points:
1. O Lord, help me to appreciate Your wonderful gifts to me.
2. Heavenly Father, help me to help others freely.