Giving to Those in Need and Spiritual Growth
How do you demonstrate the fact that you are experiencing spiritual growth? This is a huge question because the evidence of all spiritual growth is ultimately demonstrated in behaviors.
For the early followers of Jesus, spiritual growth was demonstrated by the fact that they sold their possessions and goods, and gave to everyone who was in need. The early followers were not running a welfare program for the city of Jerusalem. Rather, they were growing to love one another in a profound way and were providing for one another’s needs.
They were living out the second greatest commandment which is to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) as a result of growing in the greatest commandment, which is we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
In other words, the early Christians were growing in their love for God so much that they were overcoming their selfish tendencies to provide only for themselves.
Imagine for a moment what it would take for you to love someone who is not your family member so much that you would willingly sell your possessions to provide for their needs?
Many people would not do that even for a family member, let alone someone else. Yet, as the early followers of Jesus engaged in spiritual activities together, they created tremendous spiritual growth within their community and as a result were generous to one another.
This might be why, years later, the writer of Hebrews encouraged the followers of Jesus of his day to consider how they could spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). Specifically, he encourages them not to give up on meeting together, but rather to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25).
Hebrews 10:24-25:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This sounds very similar to what the early followers of Jesus were doing. They were meeting together regularly, and consistently spurring one another on to love and good deeds.
It appears the Christians the writer of Hebrews is addressing began to give up meeting together and also stopped encouraging one another. This meant that they practically stopped demonstrating their love for one another.
Again, relationship was the secret sauce that provided the means of living out the greatest commandments. As their relationships became less and less of a priority, so did their love for one another.
Are you experiencing community with other followers of Jesus? This is important to your spiritual growth.
Does anyone in your community of Christians need help? If so, help them. Do you have the desire to help them? This desire is a great evidence you are growing spiritually.
