How Can We Help Others in Need

money, time, conversation…

S - Scripture

1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ~matthew 6:1-4~

O - Observation

the greek words for hospitality are - xenia & philoxenia:
xenia refers to the ancient, sacred duty and custom of hospitality, rooted in a relationship of guest-friendship and reciprocity, while philoxenia is a more modern term that literally means "love of strangers" and embodies the generous, open spirit of welcoming guests. from what i get out of it is that the former xenia meant you did to others for what they’ve done for you; while the latter is out of your heart and wanting to do good - of which i want to follow all the time.

it’s not always possible to help everyone that looks as if they need it. i admit that i do have struggles helping people on the side of the road who have signs that are asking for help. the problem i have is that i start thinking why don’t they get a job as they are out here every time i drive here or there. so yes, my heart isn’t always right when i encounter the same people. not that i ignore them all the time because i don’t, i actually help them out when i feel moved to do so.

giving, without expectation of a return, isn’t always easy and many don’t subscribe to this behavior, let alone allow it to become a personal trait. some may have been programmed to think that this is abnormal, and that everyone that does wants something from you, so you should keep your guard up. others may give only to be seen as these verses highlights; for people like this it is all show with the design and hopes that others will praise them for their “goodness”. this is antithetical to how Christians should give to those in need - in silence, without fanfare, and with the motive to bless those who you are helping out.

what other teachings are there about giving:

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. ~proverbs 19:17~

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ ~deuteronomy 15:11~

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God ~hebrews 13:16~

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality ~romans 12:13~

what i love about the men in our group is their willingness to help out others without the need for recognition and praise. from taking time for a brief conversation to giving people who may look hungry and thirsty something to eat and drink, such small acts of kindness and generosity speaks volumes of what is important and the one who made the biggest impact in their lives - Jesus.

A - Application

if we are followers of Christ we should do what we can to help out those need it. i recall my mom always giving even though we were poor (financially) and she didn’t allow it to stop from contributing through donations (salvation army, goodwill, etc.). i saw it from a young age and found that she helped many immigrants who came here to make a better life for themselves. when my mom passed away i got to meet others who shared stories of how generous she was; helping them get settled and navigate the challenges of living in a foreign land - language, resources, financially, all of which she personally gave without expectation.

in my eyes my mom lived out what a life following Jesus and what He taught. while she didn’t have an easy life, i take comfort in knowing that she is in Heaven with our God Almighty and Lord and Savior. what i am trying to do is living out the same example that she did - try to do what i can for those who God has placed in my life and not expect or require it to be returned as i am already blessed far beyond what i deserve.

P - Prayer

dear Heavenly Father, thank you for demonstrating your generosity through your Son, Jesus, who gave His all (his life) for someone who didn’t deserve it - me. may we as believers give from the overflow of our hearts and not just from the surplus of our supply. help us to give without needing to be praised and recognized and that you, God, receive all the glory and praise. in Jesus’ name we pray, amen!