Helping others with a cheerful heart

Sermon: Helping Others with a Cheerful Heart

Opening:

Brothers and sisters,

Today’s message is one that challenges us to reflect on our attitude toward helping others—especially when it comes to begrudgingly offering assistance or complaining about how our resources, like tax money, are used to support others.

Main Message:

Yes, I know that there are those who take advantage of every situation, who manipulate systems for their own gain. But as followers of Christ, we are called to look beyond the flaws of others and focus on what Jesus himself taught us.

Remember His words: “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles” (Matthew 5:41). Jesus wasn’t just talking about physical distance here—He was teaching us to go beyond what is expected, to extend grace and generosity even when it feels undeserved.

And let us not forget His instruction: “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Yes, our tax money may not always be used perfectly, but part of our responsibility is to contribute to the needs of society, trusting that God sees the good that comes from it.

There will always be those who abuse the system, but there are also countless people who benefit genuinely—those who are struggling through no fault of their own. Imagine a single mother trying to feed her children, a father unable to work due to illness, or a child who needs access to education. These are the lives we impact.

Brothers and sisters, I urge you to have patience, kindness, and understanding. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for as Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Final Closing Thought:

As we reflect on this message, let us remember that even we don’t deserve God’s love and generosity. We didn’t deserve Jesus going to the cross for us, yet He gave Himself willingly, out of love, with a kind, generous, and joyous heart. Through His sacrifice, He gave us the greatest gift of all—a place in heaven, a beautiful and eternal home where we will dwell with Him forever.

Think about all the wonderful things that happen in your life—the blessings you’ve received, the love you’ve experienced, and the moments of grace that have carried you through. We are sinners; we don’t deserve these gifts. Yet God, in His infinite mercy, still gives them to us.

If God, who owes us nothing, can give us everything through His Son, how much more should we strive to extend love and generosity to others? Let us live as Christ lived, giving freely, forgiving endlessly, and loving unconditionally.

Closing Prayer:

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the many blessings You have given us. Teach us to be generous, not only with our resources but with our hearts. Help us to extend grace, patience, and understanding to others, even when it’s difficult. Remind us that when we serve others, we are serving You. Thank You for Your love, Your mercy, and the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Guide us this week to walk in Your love and reflect Your goodness to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go forth in peace, knowing you are loved by a gracious and giving God. Amen.