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I live in a large metropolitan area with a mild climate and an abundance of generous social services. Consequently, one needn't look far to see panhandlers and homeless tents. Whatever one's viewpoint, great human need all around us is obvious and endless. Even Jesus told His disciples, "You will always have the poor among you." (Matthew 26:11a NLT)
I have often struggled with my own response to such human need. Should I give a handout to every panhandler I see? The needs are endless! In recent years, I have resolved my quandary by giving generously to our local rescue mission, knowing that they have the personnel, facilities, and resources to help the needy, and that they are doing it as a service to the Lord.
My late husband Lynn had a different approach. He sometimes went beyond handouts to include practical help, such as assisting someone with a job search or even offering individual job training. At times, we ourselves were living on the edge financially, and sometimes, I felt as though people were taking advantage of Lynn's open-hearted generosity. Maybe to help soothe my angst, he would explain that whatever his action or financial giving, he was "doing it as unto the Lord". Undoubtedly, he got this apt and meaningful turn of phrase, albeit quaint, from an older translation of the Bible: "Whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men." (Colossians 3:23 ASV) He understood that God knew his heart and would credit his action as a gift offered in essence to Jesus Himself.
Matthew 25:35-40 – "I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me." Then these righteous ones will reply, "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?" And the King will say, "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" (NLT)
We can show our gratefulness to God for His many blessings by in turn helping others in need, as unto Him. It may be directly through financial giving or practical assistance. It may be more appropriate for us to support the work of others who help the needy. Whatever our ability or role, let's show our love for Jesus by sharing our resources, trusting Him to provide for both us and those in need.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we are so grateful for all that You have given us to sustain our daily life. May we, with open hearts and open hands, share Your bounty with others in need, as unto You. Amen.
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Great encouragement, Gail.
Good Word Gail Thank you!
What a great reminder for us to help those in need. Thanks for sharing!
Great wisdom, Gail, thanks!
(BC Canada)
Thank you for telling us about your husband’s generosity. We need to give and pray more.
Lent is time to remember suffering and act by sending money to street missions – Yonge Street Mission, Scott Mission, and Salvation Army as well as offerings to my church.
Thanks, Gail, for your good words and positive advice. Yes, if there was more kindness shown by everyone our world would sure be better. Blessings for these writings you prepare.
Amen and amen! Thanks for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
When helping others financially, let’s be wise as eagles with chicks in the nest and gentle as pigeons and doves. Blessings.
Good morning, Gail,
Thank you so much for these thoughtful comments. I especially like the idea of giving to organizations that have proven their ability to help those in need and who are doing it “unto the Lord”.
Thank you for your message today, Gail!
Amen! Amen! May we, with open hearts and open hands, share Your bounty with others in need. This is the right thing to do for the less fortunate.
Grace and Peace.
Amen Gail. Indeed it can be quite overwhelming trying to decide how and whom to help as the needs grow greater, worldwide, every day. May God grant us wisdom and generous hearts as we seek to reach out to others, in His name.
Blessings.
This speaks directly to my own quandary. It’s safer for a man, I think, to help in such hands on and practical ways, but I must say I always have a moment of guilt as I pass desperate people by. When possible, I do give but I always pray for the individual for whom I’ve been ‘touched’ however momentarily. It’s my daily interactions that I’m trying to enter into as unto the Lord. The thought of ‘falling short’ so much of the time is always with me.
Good morning, Gail,
There are so many people struggling to find the necessities of life all over the world. It is good to hear your thoughts and Lynn’s way of helping in order to remind us that we can help in small ways and to be encouraged to do it. I know that I should do all thing “unto the Lord”. I don’t always, so reminders are needed to strengthen my resolve to praise God and do everything in His name. Thank you. Blessings.
Hi Gail
I live in a tourist town also with a good climate which also attracts homeless, and I too struggle with an appropriate response.
Matthew 5:42 seems to say to give to all who ask, “When people ask you for something, give it to them.” (CEV)
Since it doesn’t say how much to give, I usually give a token amount and save the larger giving to organizations such as those you mentioned.
Blessings.
Thank you so much for sharing this! Your insight has helped me and my husband in this area of helping the needy! God bless you!