Help the Poor 4

James 2:12-13

In all my years of ministry I only remember one person coming to the church seeking help who offered to do work to earn the money. It can be very frustrating to see person after person who claims to be in dire need of financial help and wonder if they are genuine in their requests. And often those who are truly in need are chronically in need. They require assistance time and time again.

An initial reaction is to put a limit on how much help will be offered. But James has something to say about limiting our mercy. What attitude should we have in our behavior? What awaits those who are not merciful? What is his final comment?

“Mercy triumphs over judgment!” The words may need to ring in our ears and in our hearts as we face the needs of the poor all around us. Is it our place to judge the decisions they have made? Is it our place to judge that they deserve what they have?

According to James, the answer is “no.” We are to be merciful over all things. We should allow mercy to rise in our hearts and guide our responses.

With so much need in the world, with so much poverty, we can feel helpless in changing the world. But we need to put our faith in God and trust that He can use us in His kingdom. We must also recall the mercy He has for us. Perhaps that might guide our judgment.

With all the problems and struggles in the world there are ample places to show mercy and compassion. Let us each prayerfully consider where our hearts are at this time and ask God to lead us in our decisions to help.

While it is not our place to judge our brothers and sisters and the situations they find themselves in, we can use God’s wisdom and our own intellect to put our money and efforts into ministry that has long-lasting impact for the needy. Let your judgment be the judgment of choice, but let it be overshadowed by mercy.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Where and how do you feel called to contribute toward easing the suffering of the poor and needy?

Fellowship 1

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

The other day I had to have quick and cheap lunch. Since I didn't pack, that meant that McDonald's drivethrough would have to do. (Yeah, how am I going to continue to lose weight eating a hamburger????)

While at the drive through I felt really strongly that I should pay for the person's meal behind me. I've thought of doing this before, but I'm always afraid that I'll offer and then the order will be for a whole office or something and be $50! But I asked and the lady at the window told me the amount. It was about the same as my lunch and I had a $20 so I bought her lunch. The woman at the window asked me if I knew the woman behind me or something. When I told her that I didn't but just wanted to brighten her day, I think she thought I was nuts.

I have no idea how my gift was received. I drove away and I'll never know whether that woman behind me was shocked, happy, angry or whatever. But it was fun for me!

Today's scripture reading is Paul referring to the giving of the Macedonia church. If you read Romans 15:26 you will find out who they were giving to. They were not building a place to worship, nor were they supporting local beggars. They weren't even collecting for their own widows and orphans. Instead, they were giving to their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. Folks that they likely had never nor would never meet in their lives.

They gave because they had submitted themselves to God. They gave not from riches but from poverty themselves--and (I love this part!) they begged for the chance to give. I wonder if any pastor has ever had the congregation beg to take up an offering???

Just as I was excited to share the little I had with the woman behind me, they were excited to give what they could to support the work of God through others that they surprised even Paul and his fellow missionaries.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Ask God how you can be more like the church in Macedonia. Perhaps you are not able to give from wealth, but let them be an example to you to give yourself first to God and then to support the work of others!