*1 John 3:17-18 NIV* “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
*3:17,18* These versus give an example of how to lay down our lives for others - to help those in need. This is strikingly similar to James teaching (James 2:14-17). How clearly do your actions say you really love others? Are you as generous as you should be with your money, possessions, and time?
@mayahb this is a very good question, I love it. I can’t give you a “one size fits all” type of answer to this but I am happy to share what I apply in my life and hope that it helps give you some clarity. So the 1st thing I noticed in the Word was that it said if someone has plentiful and sees (takes note) of need and has no sympathy then they don’t reflect or display the love of God. I think the point being made is that they have the resources to make a difference but couldn’t care about anyone else and only concern themselves with stocking up their “barns”. My wife and I run a 2nd phase shelter (in our own home) where we help homeless and even those recently released from prison that have no family support etc, so we see need all the time and I must say it is extremely difficult to get people and companies to support our cause especially in times like we are facing. What we do to try make a difference outside of the people we already have living with us is that we partner up with....
@mayahb we partner up with other NPO’s and organizations within our area and when we receive a donation of food or something and we have excess then we pass the blessing on to help others as well. I also find that even if I don’t know what i’m Going to feed the people next week but we have excess now, then I still give and God never ceases to amaze with how He replaces. I think it is important to pray about giving and I personally rely on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me. I don’t just give to anyone for example all the beggars on the street because where I am from, most of them actually choose that lifestyle and they refuse any genuine help we try to offer them. It’s not always an easy decision but the best advice I can give is to pray and rely on the Holy Spirit.
@mayahb it’s best to give to a cause that you know a little about and who’s vision and mission you agree with and support. If children are your soft spot then partner up with an orphanage, if homeless are your soft spot then partner up with a shelter. Find an organization that you can get to know so that you know when you give, your money is going to make a difference in many lives and not just make the greedy fatter. Hope this helps, have a blessed day.
@BrettHawthorn @mayahb Great discussion! It's wonderful to learn a little about the way you are serving from your home. I love the idea of working together with others doing similar ministry, sharing resources, etc!
@BrettHawthorn
Question for discussion about this topic.
Where do you draw the line with giving? What do you do with habitual beggars in the church who constantly beg from those who have more money than them rather than live a more responsible lifestyle. They use the money they need for necessities on frivolous things and then beg money for rent, gas, etc.
Or African's taking care of orphans who constantly beg on FB and say the orphans need food while they are getting fancy clothes and getting fat from going out to eat?