Help Others -- No Matter Who They Are
"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses." -- Proverbs 28:27
Most people like the idea of helping others who are less fortunate -- so long as they meet certain criteria. Oh, they don't officially list them. And the criteria certainly doesn't come from the Bible. But it sure does make for convenient excuses for not helping.
First, people want to feel appreciated. They want to know that the person or organization receiving their generosity is significantly grateful. Plenty of thank yous, maybe a letter, certainly a tax deduction, are all part of the reward for helping.
Second, they only want to help certain people. They want to help people "like them." Some folks focus on age or color or nationality. Others concentrate on language or geography.
Third, they want to know people are worthy of their help. It feels good to help a worker who got laid off. Small children pull our heart strings. But please don't mention a drug addict or unwed mother. These generous givers don't want any part of helping someone who made mistakes that helped land them where they are.
Fourth, it feels better to help others during Christmas. After all, we're all in the giving spirit. What's another toy or a few cans of food? And we get to feel good about ourselves. People like to feel good about themselves.
Fifth, most people prefer to write a check rather than actually get their hands dirty. Now don't get me wrong. Money is a good thing and much needed for worthy organizations to function. Money buys food, housing, medical care. But kindness and compassion help also. Time is such a gift, whether it is mentoring a child, delivering food to shut-ins or counseling a teenager.
We are called to give to the poor. Period. I truly believe that God places people and circumstances in our path, expecting us to reach out and help. No excuses. No expectations for reward. Just the knowledge that it is what God has called us to do.
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