The Blessing Packed full of blessing

The Blessing

Packed full of blessing

When you visit others what do you pack?

The Apostle Paul was a traveler.

He had to know what essentials to pack.

Paul packed everything he needed.

“I have kept myself from being a burden to you in

any way, and will continue to do so.” 2 Corinthians 11:9 NIV

Sandy and I have family in Florida.

Because of the warm winters, they get a lot of guests.

Hospitality can cost a lot of time and money.

Paul knew this and made sure his

visits did not cost those he visited.

 Paul packed the same way on

his third visit as he did on his first.

“Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and

I will not be a burden to you, because what I want

is not your possessions but you.” 2 Corinthians 12:14 NIV 

Paul’s love for his host caused him

to pack two key items to share…

The Good News/ Gospel of Christ,

and his and his companions lives.

When I see my brother in Florida, I

look for a project I can do for him.

Sandy looks to help fix meals

and do dishes and clean up.

 

Have you ever had friends over and

they left late leaving you to clean up?

“As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7 but we

 were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.

 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you

not only the gospel of God but our lives as well,” 1 Thessalonians 2:6-8 NIV

Paul worked double shifts to make sure he was never a burden

“we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone

while we preached the gospel of God to you.” 1 Thessalonians 2:9 NIV

When Paul packed his bags he stuffed them.

I hear of people traveling for weeks with only a carry on.

Paul’s bags were so full he always had

to pay a surcharge for being overweight.

So what was in Paul’s bags?

“Blessings”

Where ever Paul went, he made sure

he was a blessing and never a burden.

The people Paul visited did less than normal

 because Paul pitched in to help them.

All that Paul packed,

“The full measure of the blessing of Christ”

 “Blessing”

fine speaking, i.e. elegance of language

He thought about what he would

say before he got there…

 Commendation

He awarded them with special praise…

 Adoration

He let others know how much he appreciated them.

How about you and I when we go to other places

whether it is work, Church or a vacation.

What are you packing?

How much thought do you give to make

sure you communicate the blessings of Christ?

Scripture Reading

Romans 15:29 NIV

29 I know that when I come to you,

I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.