Helping Others

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”  James 2: 14-17    

The gospel calls for me to give freely of myself to others in need. But, all too often I am hesitant to embrace that calling. But for the grace of God, there I am also. To be Christlike, my responsibility is to take that freeness of God’s grace and not only embrace it but pass it on, as well. You see, helping others isn’t just a good thing to do, it is a holy thing to do. God sets apart His church in the world through service to others.

Caring for those who are disadvantaged is one of God’s enduring refrains throughout Scripture. One way He provides His caring is through His people, you and me. He calls for us to be generous with our talents and our wealth, giving back some of what He has provided. Remember, what is given, what is sacrificed doesn’t even come close to what He sacrificed. The good that we do for others, the love we show for others, the more we help others, the closer we are drawn to Christ. And the closer to Christ we are, the more we reflect His love.

“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn aways from the one who wants to borrow from you.”  Matthew 5:42 

My Prayer:  Wondrous God, You provide for all we ask on a daily basis. What we have is Yours and sharing with others is part of Your plan for us. Thank you for our daily bread and the love You bestow upon us. Remind us to share our daily bread and Your love with others less fortunate. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Jim Kerner