Beyond the Weekend

January 23 | Open Hands

January 23, 2017

Colossians 4.15-16 

At the end of Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, he sends greetings to people on his team, people who’ve used their gifts to labor with him on behalf of spreading the Gospel. Taking a closer look at these people reveals character qualities that model what following Christ should look like. Last weekend Pastor Manion focused on Nympha, a Laodicean woman who demonstrates a heart of generosity with her time and treasure.

Not much is known about Nympha other than one aspect of her life—she opens her home to the church in Laodicea (near Colossae), thus placing one of her greatest resources at God’s disposal. Since Laodicea was an affluent center of banking, education, and industry, it’s not hard to imagine she had a big home able to accommodate large groups of people in a comfortable setting. Rather than protecting her carpets and cushions, she allowed non-relatives to gather around her belongings and valuables.

Instead of living with clenched fists, Nympha openhandedly shares her home into the service of God so other Jesus followers can learn and grow. She represents sincere generosity with her time and possessions, to grow God’s kingdom.

Human tendency is to hold on to the good stuff and offer God our leftovers. If you feel ashamed compared to Nympha—remember you are a work in progress. Begin this week by literally praying with your hands open, “Thank you God for the gifts and treasures you’ve given me. I want to grow in generosity so from today on, I offer them to you to use in whatever way you desire.”

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