We have all heard sermons on giving to those less fortunate or in need and how we should give sacrificially (“till it hurts”) as we cannot out-give God. Many verses highlight the Christian’s responsibility and duty to give and God’s promise to bless the cheerful giver.
In James 1:27, we are admonished to care for the widows and fatherless, and in 1 John 3:17, we are to open our hearts to the plight of the poor. In the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), and in Malachi 3:10, God promises to “open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Recently, on our way home from the grocery store, my wife and I received a call from our youngest son, who is 23. “Can you come pick me up?”
I didn’t fully understand his question. “Why? Is something wrong with your car?”
“N-o-o, I have decided to give my car to this gentleman in need.” Stunned by this proclamation, the only words I could muster were, “You are going to do what!”
My son explained how he observed an older gentleman struggling on his bicycle to carry his groceries home. After talking with the man for several hours, my son was moved to help in a way that preached a sermon without words. He gave his car away.
I dare say that the neediest or poorest among us are those unreached by the gospel on this fallen earth. Will you partner with AFM, giving the greatest gift of all to those in need? Preach the silent sermon of action. Commit to giving sacrificially to help us reach the unreached.
For more information on how you can preach a sermon without words, please contact James Petty at 269-473-4250 ext.103.
