1 John 3:17
“How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?” 1 John 3:17 (NRSVUE)
Another Bible version states it this way, “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?” And another says “withholds his compassion from him.” John is saying that if God’s love abides in you, and you are practicing what Christ taught, then you cannot refuse help, nor withhold compassion nor close your heart to your brother or sister in need. If you have plenty, then you must help others. This means sharing your resources with others – your time, possessions, and yes, your finances. This sounds like real Christianity. But it also makes us/me a bit uncomfortable. I’ll admit - I don’t always give the way I should, and I don’t always serve the way I should.
It's easy to think that others who have more can do all the giving. For example, folks like Warren Buffett, Mackenize Scott and Melinda Gates appear to have more than enough to give. Philanthropists to the core, they have even signed a pledge to give away a majority of their wealth to charitable causes during their lifetime or in their wills. But we don’t need this kind of wealth to give willingly from our own resources.
Looking for ways to take care of our brothers and sisters in need can start with our/your church. Southwood does a great job of providing opportunities to serve others. Being compassionate can simply mean making someone besides yourself a priority. Be open to a friend who may be going through something, take the time to listen to them when they want to talk. Help a loved one with meals or a meal train after surgery or the birth of a baby. Make time to connect with friends. Offer to babysit a friend’s child. Contribute to a charity. Advocate for social safety nets for those in need in your community. Volunteer at local food banks. Give or do something.
My book club initially began helping needy families by choosing a Christmas wish list and shopping for that together. Over the years, we have evolved into sponsoring students financially – first in Tanzania and now in Honduras. Joining as a group makes it easier to do financially and it feels right to commit to something like this from start to finish. I am also reminded of my daughter who lives in a large city. She walks by the same bench everyday where the same homeless young man sleeps on occasion. One day my daughter stopped and asked him his name. She has since learned of his story, and she and her husband have helped him in many ways. She bakes him a birthday cake each year, and this small gesture brings him so much joy. These are just examples of ways to connect. I hope they give you ideas about how to expand your capacity for giving in your circles.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you feel about those who do not feel compassion for those in need? Are they living life as Christ taught us to do?
- How can you continue to give to those in need when finances are stretched thin?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please continue to work in our hearts so that we have empathy and compassion for those who have less than us. Help us search our hearts to find connection and resources for these brothers and sisters.
Amen
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