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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About the author:

Gail Lundquist <gail10833@gmail.com>
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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