Mark Tabata’s Weekday Devotionals:
Thursday March 26 2026
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Galatians 6:10-Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
The Roman Emperor Julian (often known as “Julian The Apostate”) reigned in the fourth century A.D. During his time, Christianity had been greatly increasing in power throughout the Empire, and paganism had been greatly decreasing. Many of the pagans had been converting to Christianity, and part of the reason was because of the love that characterized the followers of “the Galilean,” an early reference to Jesus Christ. In a letter that he wrote to Arsacius, a pagan high priest of Galatia, he expressed his frustration.
“I have but now made a plan by which you may be well provided for this; for I have given directions that 30,000 modii of corn shall be assigned every year for the whole of Galatia, and 60,000 pints of wine. I order that one-fifth of this be used for the poor who serve the priests, and the remainder be distributed by us to strangers and beggars. For it is disgraceful that, when no Jew ever has to beg, and the impious Galilaeans support not only their own poor but ours as well, all men see that our people lack aid from us.” (Julian The Apostate, The Complete Works of Julian the Apostate. Illustrated: Orations, Letters to Themistius, To the Senate and People of Athens, To a Priest, The Caesars And Others, 488-489 (Kindle Edition): Strelbytskyy Multimedia Publishing)
Notice that the early Christians were characterized as people who took care not only of “their own poor” (i.e., Christians) but “ours as well” (i.e., non-Christians). The result of the love shown by the benevolence of the church was that many pagans had been renouncing their religions and embracing the Lord Jesus.
Recently, I was blessed to see another example of benevolence from the church family that I am blessed to be part of, Keavy church of Christ. A mother from the community messaged me and asked for help with food for her and her children. (While they are not “poor,” they were in need because of the challenging times that we are facing in our country). I shared the message with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and the response was overwhelming: that night six bags of groceries and two boxes of food were delivered. The next day, four more boxes and five more bags of food were brought to help this family. When I delivered the food to the mother, she did not have the words to express her thanks.
And the best part of all?
We have a Bible study scheduled next week!
Jesus taught that benevolence is a form of evangelism (Matthew 5:16), and I am thankful to be part of a church family that cares so much for those in need.
What are some ways that you have seen God glorified and souls encouraged by acts of kindness?
What are some things that we can do to help others in need?
Father, help us to learn to be like You in showing compassion as we are able to help those in need. Amen.