Articles
“Share In All Good Things” (Galatians 6:6, 10)
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches...10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:6, 10, NKJV).
The apostle Paul encouraged the Galatian brethren to “share in all good things with him who teaches” (6:6). This “opportunity,” along with others, was one impactful way the church could be a blessing to “the household of faith.” We could explain this short text, but it may just be more helpful to demonstrate it.
Personally, I have been blessed for the past two decades to be a recipient of this generous warmth many times over. Below is not an exhaustive list, but a brief list shared as an encouragement to others of great ways you can bless teachers and their families. Every item below is a way devoted disciples have blessed me and my family through the years.
- Help moving in and move out. Clean, pack, load, unload, unpack, assemble.
- If the preacher is new, create a gift basket or share gift cards to local restaurants.
- Host a wedding or baby shower for a newlywed preacher or new parent.
- After a surgery or hospitalization, bring food to help the preacher or elder’s family. Pastors need pastored too.
- Share with the minister from the bounty of your orchards, gardens, and livestock.
- Hand-me-downs for the preacher’s children if your children are slightly older.
- Take the preacher’s kids shopping for shoes, clothes, or school supplies.
- Share your expertise/time when needs arise—computer skills, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, painting, carpentry, photography, landscaping, cooking...
- Babysit the preacher’s kids or dogsit so he can have a date night or a vacation.
- Chip in to pay down medical debts. The cost of healthcare is a major burden.
- Preachers may do a lot of costly hosting (or the cost may prohibit them)—cash or a grocery gift card from a brother/sister helps with food and hospitality expenses.
- Furniture and appliances are big-ticket items not always in a tight budget.
- Pay for a meal or game or concert tickets for a date night or family night.
- Lunch, treats, holiday cookies, and birthday surprises are a thoughtful touch.
- A post-gospel meeting goodie bag for the drive home and cash for gas or a coffee gift card.
- Let the preacher stay in your guest/vacation home (some people have two houses).
- Share your home or table (like Martha, Lydia, or the Philippian jailer).
Preachers may be afraid to mention these things out of fear of being self-serving. But, each of these bullet points has a person and story behind it in my life which has been inspirational. I am not writing this to ask or demand. I am illustrating a text with the numerous ways saints have voluntarily enriched my life and helped us endure by “sharing in all good things.” God is good. God’s people are good. Keep doing good, especially to those who teach us about our good God.
