Last weekend, I was away for a follow-up work among youths in Patigi. It was a total success to the glory and praise of God.
En route Ogbomosho, we had a stop over to refuel at a station. There was this hungry looking Muslim beggar who was to be given a big loaf of bread by one of our team members. As she handed him the loaf of bread, she said in Hausa language; "I give you this for Jesus' sake". The response of this beggar was striking as he said in Hausa language, "if for Jesus sake you give me this, I don't want. If you give it to me for the sake of Allah or Prophet, I will have it.
After he said this, another member of the team who was close to him just collected the loaf and returned it to the woman while the beggar looked on thinking she will change her mind and give her the loaf again. It was a striking experience for me.
I learnt some lessons which I want to share with you. One, take every occasion to share Jesus with people even if they won't accept. Two, take your loyalty for Christ as sincerely as this beggar took his. He doesn't mind going hungry if the giver won't give out the gift on his term. Three, don't assume everyone will simply accept your kindness for Christ's sake. Still don't give up doing good. Four, the giver comes before the gift. Someone who accepts the gift of Jesus Christ will most likely accept His person and vice versa. Do every act of kindness for Jesus' sake.
That teaches even a deeper lesson on how people take the Bread of Life. Salvation, like that loaf of bread is free but still today as in the past, many people arrogantly refuse to accept it even while they groan in oppression and satanic slavery with real hunger for liberation. Again, don't be weary of doing good because one person turned it down. Always get out the loaf of the gospel to the needy people in the name of the Lord. You can't tell when you will eventually meet a humble and hungry soul.
From: Pastor Olatunji Fisayo
Shalom.