Serve with Compassion

Do not neglect to do good, to contribute [to the needy of the church as an expression of fellowship], for such sacrifices are always pleasing to God.  Hebrews 13:16 AMP

There was a time when it was easy to get help if you were in trouble. People were genuinely concerned about their neighbors. When I was a child, my grandmother was a member of a small group of women who met weekly for fellowship and prayer. These women made a commitment to bring some foodstuff to every meeting. If someone knew of a family in distress, then they would give that family the items collected.

Unfortunately, compassion is not as commonplace as it used to be. It appears that even people of faith have lost their compassion for the needy. I am not saying that people of faith are independently wealthy but we have adopted the attitude of the world; let them take care of themselves, I have to think about my family. But Proverbs 19:17 tells us, “He who is gracious and lends a hand to the poor lends to the Lord, And the Lord will repay him for his good deed.” God takes notice of those in need and He takes pays attention to those who give care.

Sometimes, it takes sacrifice to take care for the needy. When you see someone in distress and it really touches your heart, the only thought on your mind is what I can do. There are days when the answer requires a commitment that means a sacrifice on your part. What do you do? You can turn away or you can recognize that sacrifice is an act of worship unto God. In Proverbs 11:25 we see, “The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown].”

So let us choose our actions carefully; is it more important to please God or conform to the example of the world? Sometimes, it’s so easy to forget about the needy because we are so consumed with our own needs; we forget the example that Jesus Christ left for us. The Apostle Paul said, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.”  Philippians 2:6 NLT. Let us not cling to our lifestyle and our attitudes; let us become obedient and offer  sacrifices that are pleasing and acceptable to God.

Thought for Today: Friend, give to the poor and lend to the Lord.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.