The needs of our world are many with poverty, homelessness, hunger, etc. We read of folks suffering financial strain with unemployment and foreclosure on their homes. The list appears to be overwhelming. Yet, we as Christians are called to help those in need.
The apostle John wrote: "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) John here is drawing the logical conclusion that if we have faith in God, we ought to be willing to help others. Our actions need to be congruent with our faith.
John's argument flows directly from the work of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life for us. We, in turn, are to lay down our lives for others.
The challenge here is in sacrificial living. We live in economic times when many people are being forced to make sacrifices in a financial way. The other perspective is when you voluntarily make the decision to help someone who is in dire straits. Our faith ought to move us to assist those who are without, which is what John is encouraging.
Think of the impact of that sacrifice. It might even bring someone closer to God? I like the quote I came across in reading Becoming a Contagious Christian, where Bill Hybels in writing on the topic of evangelism states: " Although our actions have nothing to do with gaining our own salvation, they might be used by God to save someone else."
Are there times when you have struggled when someone has come to you for help and you wondered if it was a legitimate need? Have you ever helped someone else out when it involved a genuine sacrifice on your part?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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2 comments:
You make such an interesting point here about our actions needing to be congruent with our faith. Sometimes we are right there, and sometimes we miss the mark, through business or a singular care about our own needs, rather than those in need who come across our path. I think sometimes God puts situations before us to give us a chance to grow. When we ignore those opportunities (for any reason),in those times, how good that God can transform all things for good, even when mistakenly do not think of the whole picture.
It's far too easy to get caught up and stay caught up in our own personal needs instead of seeing the needs of those around us. The ONLY real type of love is sacrifical love - that's the kind that God showed us!!
P.S. I am now following you on Twitter - PaulaJoy
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