…freely give.

This is not from a fortune cookie. It’s not a billboard. It’s not even a wise proverb from King Solomon of old.

It’s a command that Jesus gave to the men known as His “disciples.”

In the Bible, via the inspired writings of Matthew (Matthew 10:1-4), Jesus told us the names of His 12 disciples. He then shared with us what He told them before sending them out to do His work.

Matthew 10:7-9 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.”

Well-known pastor and author John MacArthur penned these thoughts on the phrase from Matthew 10:8:

“If you have compassion and power in your ministry, it is only by the grace of God. No one gets it by going to Bible college or seminary, or by being ordained. Since we paid nothing for our power, we shouldn’t charge anything. Show me someone who truly represents Jesus Christ and I will show you someone who is not in it for personal gain. 

Since the gifts we have were freely given to us by God, we’re to dispense them freely. First Peter 5:2 says that elders must not minister for ‘filthy lucre.’ Paul said to Timothy that when looking for an elder, find a man who isn’t interested in personal gain (1 Tim. 3:3; cf. Titus 1:5, 7).

Throughout the years I have been repeatedly asked about my fee for preaching. I have been preaching for over twenty years, yet never once in my ministry have I set a price on it, and I never will. The Bible says I received it freely, so I give it freely. Why should I set a price?”

The empowerment that the disciples received was not based on their personal worth or because of anything they did. It was a gift given to them from God. They were therefore commanded to give it back in service to the Lord – not for personal gain or the desire for wealth. However, we must make certain to note that Jesus is not saying that those in His service shouldn’t be paid. In fact, He clearly states at the close of verse nine that “the worker is worthy of his support.”

The command given to the 12 disciples is also one we must follow as modern-day “disciples” of Christ. We have been given gifts, talents, skills, and abilities, and should give those back in service to Him.

Please understand that I am not saying that everyone is to be in vocational service to Him. That is not what His Word says. He calls many of us to serve Him in the public sector and many in the faith-based sector. But all are to do their work in a way that brings honor to Him. I am simply saying that it makes sense that our gifts, while able to be used for providing income, should also be used as gifts (i.e. presents)!

Today I am giving one hour of my time to give (freely) a gift/skill I have been given in order to help someone who needs assistance in that area – because their skills lie elsewhere. I don’t tell you that for boasting reasons, but to encourage you to ask God to open your eyes and heart to the gifts He has given you. Then ask Him how you might be able to use that gift, talent, or skill in a way that could help someone else. It doesn’t have to be an all-day sacrifice of time. It should, however, be given cheerfully, following another principle of giving we see in His Word:

II Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

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[Be sure to check back tomorrow for an important announcement that is in keeping with today’s topic!]

Thank you for taking time to read “Freely You Received…” – Please feel free to leave a comment or question.