A Legacy of Love

 

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13

Over the years there have been a chosen few who have decided to place the Good Samaritans in their Will. Often these generous Bequests came at a time when donations were down and it seemed as though we might be severely limited in our ability to help the children and their families.
As a result, I've come to several realizations concerning these individuals, their generous gifts and their respective families.

1. God is good. Two of the most basic tenets of the Christian faith are that God is good and God is in control. In the worst of times and in the darkest night God steps in and gives purpose, answers and most importantly, solutions to our needs. All He asks is that we be faithful.
2. God works through people. God does create miracles and there are cases of divine intervention where the only answer is a supernatural reality. But by and large, God chooses to use imperfect human beings in His own perfect providence. Scripture is full of examples from beginning to end. Therefore we should always be open to the Holy Spirit’s call to help.
3.  God chooses people with special characteristics. Here’s where I call on the help of God’s word for my descriptions.

• “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1-2

1. People who give abundantly are people of faith. People who give of their worldly goods upon death, are people of faith. They have faith that God will use their gift in an appropriate and honorable way. They have faith that the organization they have chosen will be good stewards of their funds. And they have the faith that their reward will be in heaven.
   “For in this hope we are saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Romans 8:24-25
   
   
2. People who give abundantly are people of hope. People who give from the substance of their last things in life are people who are filled with hope.They hear the cries of those who are hurting and hoping beyond all hope that someone will hear.They understand the great needs of the masses of people without hope. And finally they realize that their own hope, and the hope for all people is fulfilled in the One who has given salvation to all who call upon His name.
   “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8
   
   
3. People who give abundantly are people of love. This is the one true goal and ultimate purpose of every person who has ever walked this earth—to be known as people of love. People who give at death give sacrificially. They have sacrificed all their remaining goods for the needs of many. It is the ultimate act of selflessness. It is their final great act of mercy and grace. It is a memory that will last forever…It is a Legacy of Love.
   “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:1-2

If you desire to put Good Samaritans in your Will please talk to your family and an attorney about your decision. And may God bless in all you do.

Contact Information: GOOD SAMARITAN MISSION SERVICES Inc.
8323 West Sand Lake Road
Orlando, Florida 32819
(407 351-0611
www.1goodsam.org