The Shirt Off My Back

Pastor Sal Massa

“Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.” Luke 6:30

We have all used the idiom “he’ll give you the shirt off his back.” I personally never gave much thought to its meaning until this morning during the Jesus Conference. One of our delegates came to Sal and told him that he loves the shirt that Sal was wearing and he would be honored if Sal would give it to him. I held my breathe wondering what Sal’s response would be. I thought of what I would say. I would probably think he was joking. I would probably say something like, “You’re kidding, right?” 

Figuratively, the meaning of the phrase is to give anything that is asked for, no matter the sacrifice required. In the gospel oshirt.JPGf Luke, Jesus said, ““Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.”  I watched this verse come to life as Sal graciously agreed to literally give him the shirt off his back! I might add that it is one of Sal’s favorites. So during lunch break, I washed the shirt by hand. It is hanging on the line and will be ironed and folded shortly and given to its new owner. 

Giving your shirt to someone who asks may seem like a small thing. But our willingness to sacrifice anything for the sake of blessing others is truly the broader meaning. After all, Jesus also said it is more blessed to give than to receive.

The final hours of the conference is just about underway. We will be giving door prizes after the closing session. Tomorrow, these dear people will return to their homes and churches. Many are excited about sharing the teachings they received while here. We have received several invitations to take the conferences to other places in India. We have invitations to Hyderabad and Mumbai for our next trip here in 2018.

Tomorrow morning I will be meeting with the widows of QCI. Please pray for the message to be received with open hearts. After that we will take a rest for a few days before the Servant Leadership Bible School begins. We have 35 enrolled so far. Classes start Friday.Adidas footwear | adidas garwen spezial white shoes – New In Shoes for Men