Justified!

I was reading from The Treasury of Daily Prayer today (pg 223). Here’s what Luther had to say.

Therefore, if we recognize the great and precious things which are given us, as Paul says [Rom. 5:5], our hearts will be filled with the Holy Spirit with the love which makes us free, joyful, almighty workers and conquerors over all tribulations, servants of our neighbors, and yet lords of all…Just as our neighbor is in need and lacks that which we abound, so we were in need before God and lacked his mercy. Hence, as our heavenly Father has in Christ freely come to our aid, we also ought freely to hel our neighbor through our body and its works.

As Dave Ramsey recently wrote on the Town Hall for Hope website:

Regardless of your political views, remember that it is possible to change the nation without casting a single vote. When everyday American citizens make giving a priority, no one will have to look to Washington for a bail out. Support your local businesses. Give your time and money to your church and local nonprofits. Open your hands and your pocketbook to those in need. Don’t buy in to the notion that the government will supply your every need. Make it your goal to out-give the government.