1 John 3:17
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
This verse provokes me. I feel so many things when I see others in need. I work with individuals every day with varying levels and types of needs. But that is my job, my profession. I am only able to give them what is appropriate in that setting. But there are other settings in which I come across people in need, and literally do not know how to help. For example, the man standing by the road with a sign saying he is homeless, has children, etc. Or the sign says, “will work for food”. It often feels unsafe or foolhardy to give money, let alone take someone in who we do not know. We have become afraid of each other, not without reason. Giving is not as simple as it should be.
Holy One, I need help with this. Help me to see ways to be generous which truly benefit the receiver. I am a cautious person, maybe too cautious sometimes. I need guidance to know when and where I can be helpful. There is a way, with you. Amen
Becky, transforming
1 John 3:17
I see people walking around with the greatest smart phones, shopping for designer clothes, eating at upscale restaurants, new cars, new homes etc. I assume they must have happy lives. Material things can mean anything from A house and cars to books and jewelry. This does not mean that the well to do does not care or love other people, just because they have more. There are lots of wealthy people who are generous with their money, possessions and time. There are lots of people who are just the opposite….some things that you cannot simply buy rich or otherwise are good friendships, laughs, experiences, love, dreams and much more The message I get from this pass…
1 John 3: 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has not pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
We are all children of God. Our actions should reflect those of our Savior. If I follow in Christ’s footsteps, I should be able to show the compassion of Christ. If I am endowed with plenty, I will cheerfully help others. I should always keep my heart open to all and supply what is needed to help with that persons problems. I should never shut my heart to another’s pain.
Dearest Lord, help me know when my help is needed and provide for me the necessary means…
1 John 3:17 The challenge to Christians offered in John’s epistle, despite its simplicity, seems extremely complicated in today’s world. This is what makes the work of the church so much more important. Organized efforts by believers can provide food, clothing and in some instances temporary shelter for those in need. There are many social forces at play, but the church’s abdication of these functions to bloated, inefficient and often corrupt government programs has done a disservice to the poor. Individually, the Body of Christ can be a much more powerful source of relief than a bit of money through a car window, the fate of which is largely unknown. I am not equipped to discern the character of people on…
1 John 3:17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
Who is my brother or sister? I think John is saying that to have pity is to take action to help that person. If my brother or sister is all people then every waking hour would be spent pitying them but it would be impossible to think of helping them. If my brothers and sisters are those closer to me then being part of a Christian community makes this charge possible. We are trying – I hope it’s enough.
Dear Lord you would probably say that enough is…
1 John 3:17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person? Jesus constantly challenges us to be aware of the needs of those around us – not just aware but he challenges us to do something about it. Although this verse speaks of money, we know that there are many other ways to help others. We can give of our time or talents to help. Often our actions speak louder than words or money. But we must remember that we can’t help everyone. Just do what you can with love. Prayer: gracious God may I always have compassion and your love t…