1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Reflecting on God's Plan
So far we have spent eighteen chapters looking at God's Word and seeking to determine what His priorities are for us as women after His own heart. We know of God's command to love Him supremely as found in Luke 10:27.
"So He answered and said, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.'"
Beyond that we have culled through Titus 2:3-5 over and over again where the priorities of husband, children, and home are spelled out.
"That the older women...admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers..."
And finally, we finished considering our self -- the nurturing of our spiritual growth. And now we come, by God's grace, to the out pouring and the overflowing of all that's gone before -- a life ready for rich ministry to others.
Learn to Reach Out
Again and again Jesus tells us to give -- to give to everyone; to give hoping for nothing in return; to give in the generous way God, who is kind to the unthankful and evil, gives; and to care for others by giving. You and I can learn to give in this way, to overflow with care for all others.
Yes, But How?
Your presence and sometimes a single touch are worth a thousand words.
When it comes to reaching out, remember this principle of ministry: Your very presence is a source of comfort. You may not have the exact words to say or the perfect Scripture to share, but in most situations, your touch can bring comfort far greater than words.
Be a giver.
Just as you and I learned with our husbands and children, we can give the smile, the greeting, the warm question, the touch, the hug, and the name (always use the person's name!).
Be bold.
Be bold and give to the people God places in your path, If, however, you find yourself avoiding a certain person, ask God to show you why. Sin in our hearts -- hearts meant to overflow with care for others -- keeps us from being confident in our relationships.
Become a generous soul.
Don't just give, but give liberally, cheerfully, bountifully, hilariously, extra, above and beyond.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7, "He who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."
Determine to withhold nothing.
Proverbs 3:27 exhorts us, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so."
What are some of the good things "in the power of your hand"? Praise, encouragement, thanks, a greeting, kindness, good deeds, and a note of appreciate are a few of the good things we hold. And you and I choose whether or not we will share these blessings.
Heart Response
I hope that your heart is at rest and that you have found your deepest fulfillment in seeing how God extends His love to so many through you. First His love flows to those people closest to your heart, those people at home. Then His love moves on through you to invigorate and refresh countless others.
As this happens, your gracious and generous God miraculously refills you, replacing and multiplying all that you selflessly give away to others.
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