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Share with the Needy. Be Hospitable. Romans 12:13

The 36th annual Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale theme reminds all about 'Sharing with the Needy. Being hospitable.' Romans 12:13

by Becky Blough

This year's theme is generated from the twelveth chapter of Romans--focusing on verse 13 "Share what you have with God's people who are in need. Be hospitable."

The chapter opens by asking all of us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God as an act of worship. According to the text, through this sacrifice we will be transformed and able to know what God's will is. Participating in the sale is a sacrifice of time, but it enables us to carry out God's will to share with the needy in our lives.


Picture of woman serving cups of hot chocolate.
 
Hospitality is an important part of many cultures around the world. MCC workers are often on the receiving end of this meaningful gift. During his lifetime, Jesus took time to eat and talk with friends and strangers. Consider inviting people who are new to your neighborhood or church to share food at your table this month.
 

The passage continues by saying, "just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body...We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."

The purpose of coming together for the sale is to utilize the many blessings and gifts afford to us by God. The passage says if your gift is serving, to serve; if it is to encourage, encourage; if it is to contribute to the needs of others, give generously; if it's leadership, govern diligently. If is key to the life of the sale to have individuals who are willing to lead, serve and donate generously.

As one body in Christ, God calls us to share with our brothers and sisters who are in need, to be hospitable to all, to use our gifts to help all. There is no room for discrimination in this call. The passage speaks plainly of helping both our friends and our foes.

The funds generated by the sale help us to perform this act of sharing with all who are in need.


Example Pictures of MCC's Work
MCC Logo
Example Pictures of MCC's Work
Example Pictures of MCC's Work

MCC: Giving the hungry something to eat since 1920

Founded in 1920 Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is the relief, service and development agency of North American Mennonites and Brethren in Christ.

MCC seeks to demonstrate God's love through committed women and men who work among people suffering from poverty, conflict, oppression and natural disaster.

Currently over 1300 workers serve in more than 50 countries, including the United States and Canada.

MCC strives for peace, justice and dignity of all people by sharing resources, experiences and faith in Jesus Christ.


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