Romans 15 - Pass the love on

For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. (Romans 15:26-27)

A beautiful exchange.

Do we sometimes also feel that we are in debt to certain people? It could be their unceasing love and concern for us. It could be their unwavering belief in us. It could be their faithful sowing of the seed of God's word in us. It could be their constant acts of love towards us. It could be also in terms of material needs; they are always the ones to pay for our meals.

They are the givers.
We merely receive.

Seems unfair, doesn't it?
Isn't one taking advantage of the other?

However, it appears that in the kingdom of God, equality and fairness are given a different definition from the one that the world commonly knows.

Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)

It may be that at the present moment I can only be at the receiving end, but I gladly and humbly accept. Because I know that someday, I will do the same for these people, when the need arise and when I have the resources to do so.

If not, I will pass the love forward, to their next generation, repaying the same kindness to their children.... and in turn, their children will care for my children... and it goes on...

Love gets passed on.
God's love. :)

Let us be humble to accept the love and care of others while remembering this debt which we will, in due time, pass it on.

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it:
You spread His love to everyone, you want to pass it on.