Euergetism - (Uar-jet-ism) - What We Should Know

[BibleStudent100]

3 hours ago, D. Adrien said:

Having wealth as a Christian can be a snare or a blessing. Being tested with wealth can be problematic for the recipient just as being tested by the beauty of a woman by a male Christian.

I have always wondered about the extra Christian faith challenges involved in being born very rich and being born very handsome or beautiful.  For those of use in the "average looks and average money" category, we are not as "tempted."

[BornAgain490]

52 minutes ago, Michael37 said:

Here's another verse that goes with the one on being cheerful about giving.

 Heb 10:34  For you both sympathized with my bonds and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have in Heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Amen. Reminds me of the old saying: You never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer to the cemetery. 

[In the Clouds]

I have mixed feelings about donating to charities and worthy causes.  Now understand that this with good intentions and a glad heart.  There are some causes that I hold dearer to my heart and prefer to support before the general welfare bank that the government funds.  Then I want a tax write off to be able to give as I direct it.

Next, sometimes I am vocal about a personal donation to try to get enthusiasm and donations from others for the needy.

In my heart I believe these are acceptable instances of Christian giving and making it known. 

[missmuffet]

When I give I always give anonymously. That is what is biblical.

Money can become an idol so a Christian needs to beware of that.

Luke 12:15

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of ^[a]covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

Edited October 14, 2024 by missmuffet

[Neighbor]

Hi, a word I favor is eleemosynary, from the latin origin for alms.

To me eleemosynary giving is quietly done. It seeks no credit, and is part of the left hand not knowing of the doing of the right hand. It is not related to tithing,   nor gifts in addition  to tithes, that may be scheduled or programmed.

It is the call to provide at the indwelling Holy Spirit's lead,  solely for, and to  the glory of God.

 

[Sower]

On 10/14/2024 at 12:10 AM, missmuffet said:

The man before you paid for your groceries". I had $65.00 worth of groceries.

I have known people who were wealthy and would not give you 5 cents.

 

Yes, but what about a word to the Glory to God for the $65.00 blessing you did receive.
I would be extremely joyful and praising God when having received such a blessing. (the other side of the coin)
I might know about .00000000001% of the rich so I would even not begin/assume they are all tight wads most assume.

[In the Clouds]

How many examples in the Bible are there about those who give much receive much?  I'm not talking about prosperity ministries but good stewardship. 

[D. Adrien]

Someone wealthy contributing to a new hospital wing to help heal the sick is wonderful but, when they insist on having their name placed upon the new wing they have already received their reward. Many people focus on this show of wealth and assume all wealthy people are exhibitionists like this.

[Neighbor]

On 10/13/2024 at 5:24 PM, Michael37 said:

The term euergetism comes from the Greek word εὐεργετέω (euergetéō), which means "to do good deeds"¹. It was coined in 1923 by the French historian André Boulanger².

 

A term coined in 1923,- was it used to apply to Biblical events or principles of giving or sharing or of doing good deeds? To be seen doing good is not a bad thing, as my Lord was seen going about doing good was He not? To give as some have done locally just this week even a million dollars to aid the hurting is not a bad thing just because it becomes known. It may not be  something that sets up reward in heaven, but still if it motivates others to also step up and share of their own prosperity at a time of great need for the community is that a bad thing? I think it is not. It is still good, a good deed, in fact an awesome one.

[Neighbor]

5 hours ago, Sower said:

Yes, but what about a word to the Glory to God for the $65.00 blessing you did receive.
I would be extremely joyful and praising God when having received such a blessing. (the other side of the coin)
I might know about .00000000001% of the rich so I would even not begin/assume they are all tight wads most assume.

Much is done for the well being of others without any credit being sought, years of effort decades even, massive amounts of time devoted, with much personal wealth  put into such efforts, and not necessarily by  Christians.

There is a drive amongst some at least to do a great service just because they see the need and want to serve- give back or as some call it pay forward. It seeks nothing it just does and does so sacrificially.