ROMANS 12:13
“contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”
I am so thankful for the supporters of our ministry with Every Man A Warrior. These supporters, some monthly, some annually and some sporadically, are so appreciated. They are truly what keeps us going. They share from the resources the Lord has blessed them with. They are doing exactly what Paul is talking about today in verse 13. Let’s take a look.
Paul uses a Greek word for “contributing” that I am sure you have heard before. It’s koinóneó which literally means to share with other people. It can also mean to be partaker or an associate with someone else. You have probably heard the noun form before. It’s koinonia which means fellowship or contribution. Then Paul tells us to be “practicing hospitality.” The verb “practicing” is really an interesting word. It’s diókó, and we’ll look closer at it later.
APPLICATION
Back to koinóneó. This word is used eight times in the New Testament where it is often translated as “sharing.” Later in Romans 15:27 we read, “For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things,” where Paul refers to the things the Gentiles have shared with the Jewish believers. And another verse that I really like where this word is used is Galatians 6:6. “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” Sharing with our brethren is an important practice for the body of Christ.
Diṓkō means to “aggressively chase, like a hunter pursuing a catch (prize). Diṓkō is used positively (earnestly pursue) and negatively (zealously persecute, hunt down). In each case, diṓkō means pursue with all haste (chasing after), earnestly desiring to overtake (apprehend).” (HELPS Word-studies) That’s an interesting way to talk about be hospitable, isn’t it. I’ve known people who practice this gift without hesitation. They welcome people in their homes or give them what they may need without any thought of being repaid.
How can we do these two things better? I can only think of one – be more like Christ. Put others before us. Be more selfless. That’s hard, isn’t it? But we are told to do this continually. Both of these words are in the Present Tense. That means to keep doing it. Ask the Lord how He wants you to put these two things into practice more. He will lead you to those in need.
Open my eyes, Lord, to see those around me who I can assist.
If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis).