To all people.

I am sure that you must know this by now. Some folks intentionally become poor to get attention from others. And some even position themselves as poor to rip from the poor’s mouth. You can never tell one from the other. The sad thing is that, at times, even Christians are promoting such practice.

All Christians believe in Jesus, but not all Christians thinks the same way as they ought to. That way is Christ.

The worst form poverty that any country or anyone should ever have is the lack of love, the lack of concern, the lack of caring for themselves and others.

John said it best,
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” (1 John 4:20-21)

And Christ emphasized it in saying,

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

Today we offer sacrifices of praise to God, not animals or grains.

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)

How can we offer praise and glory to God with an unforgiving heart, an unloving heart?

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)

Our testimony of the gospel, our love being manifested to all, together serve our offering to God at the altar of our heart.

And as Paul once said to the Galatians,

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

To all people, in the name of Jesus, with the freedom that Christ provides.