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?
I was in a conversation about this a few days ago in another setting. What to do when you see people on the street asking for money, or “anything” that would be helpful? In our culture, people who live on the streets bring up a lot of thoughts and feelings in us, in addition to empathy. It was pointed out in this conversation that it is against the law to stand on the street and ask for money, and against the law to give money, as well. I am sure this law does not stop anyone from giving if they have decided to give. But it certainly does keep some from giving. Maybe I can rethink this whole thing. I have some ideas floating around in my head. God , I ask that you lead me to do more, to follow through with the empathy you have placed on my heart. I can do anything with your help. Amen
Becky, transforming
Tuesday, November 19th, 2024
1 John 3:17
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?
The key lesson regarding empathy is that if someone has the means to help a fellow believer in need but chooses not to, it demonstrates a lack of God's love in their heart. This is one of many commands where Jesus emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and caring for others who are struggling; it's not enough to simply see someone's need without taking action to help alleviate it. Keeping material things for ourselves, beyond our needs, while brothers or sisters suffer shows a lack of love. A…
1 John 3:17
There are countless ways to give material aid to those in need. A portion of the tithes and offerings we share in church are dedicated to this and our monthly “noisy offering” at CUMC is specifically for this purpose. I donate annually to the Salvation Army, The Friendly Kitchen and the Voice of the Martyrs. While I realize some percentage of my donations go to administrative costs, I still see these as the best way to express the love of God to the poor. I may be wrong, but I will remain open to the Holy Spirit’s nudge to go outside that mental box in a given circumstance when I am out and about.
Prayer - Lord,…