Matthew 1 - GNTD & MB

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Giving is a powerful act that reflects the heart of God and His desire for us to live generously. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous teachings that emphasize the importance and impact of giving. Whether it’s through offering our time, resources, or love, the act of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives. Here are seven Bible verses that highlight the power of giving and encourage us to embrace a life of generosity.

1. Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When we give to others, especially those in need, we are not only helping them but also experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from generosity. It reminds us that true happiness is found in selflessness.

2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The emphasis on giving cheerfully reminds us that our attitude matters. God values a heart that gives freely and joyfully, knowing that our contributions can lead to abundant blessings.

3. Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Generosity is not just about meeting the needs of others; it also brings personal renewal and prosperity. When we give, we often receive in return, not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual and emotional well-being. The act of giving refreshes both the giver and the recipient.

4. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Jesus emphasizes the abundance that comes from giving. The imagery of a generous measure being returned to us illustrates that our giving will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. When we give with an open heart, we can expect God’s blessings to overflow in our lives.

5. Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We should give quietly and humbly, without seeking recognition or praise. The focus is on the sincerity and purity of our giving. God sees our acts of kindness, even when they are done in secret, and He will reward us accordingly. It reminds us that true giving is done for the benefit of others, not for personal glory.

6. Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Sharing what we have with others is a sacrifice that pleases God. This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of others’ needs and taking action to meet them. It serves as a reminder that our acts of generosity are not just good deeds; they are expressions of our faith and love for God.

7. James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

All we have comes from God. Recognizing that every gift we receive is from Him encourages us to be generous in sharing those gifts with others. When we give, we are participating in God’s work, distributing His blessings to those around us.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that giving is a powerful way to express our faith, love, and gratitude. These verses reveal that generosity not only impacts those we help but also enriches our own lives, bringing us closer to God and His purposes. Whether through our resources, time, or compassion, giving allows us to reflect God’s love in a tangible way, creating a ripple effect of blessings that extend far beyond what we can see. By embracing a spirit of generosity, we open ourselves up to experience the fullness of life that God desires for us.

Addictions come in many shapes and forms, whether it’s lust, alcohol, substances, gambling, gaming, or even excessive use of your mobile phone and social media. There is professional help to get as well as counselling from your priest or pastor.

Also, read the Bible and lay your addiction before God in prayer. Here are some passages from the Word of God to reflect upon.

James 1:14-15 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

We all have weaknesses within us that can make us fall and lead to an addiction. Acknowledging this, and admitting that you struggle with addiction is an important step to be free from it.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Addictions don’t come from God, but from the world and our desires, lusts and pride. We can rely on God wanting us to be free from any addiction.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

You may feel that you can’t break your addiction. But the Bible tells us that God can. God will provide the way of escape. Turn to God, turn from your addiction. Let God fill you with his presence.

1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

Addiction is many times when something takes control over you. Those things that are not helpful in your life and dominate your thoughts and desires you may need to cut out of your life.

1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

Addictions come from this world and not from God. In the end, addictions replace God as the number one in our lives. It’s not just about addictions, but also about our souls.

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Lay your struggles before God. Ask for God’s protection and deliverance.

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

This is the promise of Jesus Christ, that when he sets us free, it is real freedom.

This article is not intended as a replacement for medical or therapeutic help or treatment for addiction, but a complement and inspiration to those who battle addiction.

The Ancestors of Jesus Christ

(Luke 3.23-38)

1 This is the list of the ancestors of Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was a descendant of Abraham.

2-6a From Abraham to King David, the following ancestors are listed: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and his brothers; then Perez and Zerah (their mother was Tamar), Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz (his mother was Rahab), Obed (his mother was Ruth), Jesse, and King David.

6b-11 From David to the time when the people of Israel were taken into exile in Babylon, the following ancestors are listed: David, Solomon (his mother was the woman who had been Uriah's wife), Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah, and Jehoiachin and his brothers.

12-16 From the time after the exile in Babylon to the birth of Jesus, the following ancestors are listed: Jehoiachin, Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Abiud, Eliakim, Azor, Zadok, Achim, Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan, Jacob, and Joseph, who married Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was called the Messiah.

17 So then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, and fourteen from David to the exile in Babylon, and fourteen from then to the birth of the Messiah.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

(Luke 2.1-7)

18 This was how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately. 20 While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. 21 She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus—because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 Now all this happened in order to make come true what the Lord had said through the prophet, 23 “A virgin will become pregnant and have a son, and he will be called Immanuel” (which means, “God is with us”).

24 So when Joseph woke up, he married Mary, as the angel of the Lord had told him to. 25 But he had no sexual relations with her before she gave birth to her son. And Joseph named him Jesus.

Zutui Yesu Kristo ro

(Luka 3:23-38)

1 Ono ni ora zutui Yesu Kristo ro, zelevo Dawidi ro, se ni zelevo Abarayama ro owo.

2 Ni Abarayama ya le 'Bädri'ba Dawidi ya zutui kwoi arate: Abarayama ni täpi Yisika ro, Yisika ni täpi Yakoba ro, Yakoba ni täpi Yuda ro ndi ädrupii ndaro yibe. 3 Yuda ni täpi Pereza ndi Zera be ro (endre ànyaro ni Tamara), Pereza ni täpi Ezerona ro, Ezerona ni täpi Rama ro, 4 Rama ni täpi Aminadaba ro, Aminadaba ni täpi Nasona ro, Nasona ni täpi Salemona ro, 5 Salemona ni täpi Boaza ro (endre ndaro ni Raba), Boaza ni täpi Obede ro (endre ndaro ni Ruta), Obede ni täpi Yisai ro, 6 Yisai ni täpi Dawidi 'bädri'ba ro.

7 Dawidi ni täpi Solomo ro (endre ndaro ni se kyeno ka'dobe toko Uria ro 'do), Solomo ni täpi Rehoboama ro, Rehoboama ni täpi Abija ro, Abija ni täpi Asa ro, 8 Asa ni täpi Yosapata ro, Yosapata ni täpi Yorama ro, Yorama ni täpi Uzia ro. 9 Uzia ni täpi Yotama ro, Yotama ni täpi Aza ro, Aza ni täpi Ezekia ro, 10 Ezekia ni täpi Manase ro, Manase ni täpi Amosa ro, Amosa ni täpi Josia ro, 11 Josia ni täpi Jehoiakina ro ndi ädrupii ndaro yibe tu 'di ururo si midiro le Babelona ya.

12 Ago tu 'di ururo midiro se le Babelona ya ana vosi, Jehoiakina ni täpi Salatiela ro, Salatiela ni täpi Zerubabela ro, 13 Zerubabela ni täpi Abiuda ro, Abiuda ni täpi Eliakima ro, Eliakima ni täpi Azora ro. 14 Azora ni täpi Zadoka ro, Zadoka ni täpi Akima ro, Akima ni täpi Eliuda ro, 15 Eliuda ni täpi Eleazara ro, Eleazara ni täpi Matana ro, Matana ni täpi Yakoba ro, 16 Yakoba ni täpi Yosepa ago Maria ro ro, se ni endre Yesu se äzibe Mesiya ono ro.

17 Käti'bai cini ni tu Abarayama rosi le tu Dawidi rosi orivoya 'butealo fosu, ago ni tu Dawidi rosi madale tu 'di ururo midiro le Babelona ya ono si käti'bai kpa 'butealo fosu, ago ni tu 'di ururo si midiro Babelona ya rosi madale tu Kristo rosi käti'bai kpa 'butealo fosu.

Uti Yesu Kristo ro

(Luka 2:1-7)

18 Uti Yesu Kristo ro a'dote oso nonye, a'be Maria endre ndaro te Yosepa ri; teinye dri ànyari ruogyeako oko anya usu yite ŋgwa be mbara Tori Alokado rosi. 19 Ago ago anyaro Yosepa orivoya mano kado yi nda leko Maria o'bane a'done driupiro ago lete anya e'bene ndrwi. 20 Nda kadri tase ono vona usuna oko, malaika Opi ro ka'darute ndäri tori si, atate ekye: “Yosepa, zelevo Dawidi ro nyuturi ko ni Maria toko miro uruvoya 'bäru mire, tana Tori Alokado 'ba anya ni ŋgwa ono okwone. 21 Anya utina ŋgwaagoro 'da, ago mizina ävuru ndaro Yesu, tana nda opana lidri ndaro ni takozi ànyaro risi.”

22 Tase cini ono a'dote inye, tase Opi katabe nebi si ana ka'do robe ŋgye se ekye: 23 “Ŋguti aza okwona ŋgwa 'da ago utina ŋgwaagoro 'da, ago äzina ävuru ndaro 'da Imanuele” (se takacina ni, “Lu tro ama be”).

24 Ago ondro Yosepa kupi mi teni u'duvoya oko, yete oso malaika Opi ro kota nda be ana ronye, ago ru Maria te 'bäru toko ndaro ro, 25 oko u'du kote sina madale anya ti ŋgwa ana lutu. Ago Yosepa zi ävuru ndaro te Yesu.