Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. Romans 15:2
“We are not to throw away those things which can benefit our neighbor. Goods are called good because they can be used for good: they are instruments for good, in the hands of those who use them properly.”
Clement of Alexandria (c.150-c.215) in Who is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved? XIV.
As we start the year looking at our neighbor and generosity, today’s Scripture and quote seem so practical and helpful. It reflects generosity we can all practice.
Clement calls us to think about how our goods can be used for the good of others. I love the use of the word instruments. Imagine that our sharing creates beautiful music.
But to use our goods for the good of others, we need to know them. We need to know their needs. On our journey as followers of Jesus, this comes into view as a tangibly picture of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves.
I head to Hong Kong today. My hope over my ten days there is to bless many people. But that will start with listening and discerning needs. God help me. From there I head to China and then Taiwan. It’s a very complex trip.
But you can do this with me. Let’s trying to listen and discern the needs of our neighbor and build them up with what we have. God help us.