It Is Better to Give Than to Receive

When it comes to serving the homeless, I think people are often not quite sure just how to help. I hear statements like, "Well, if I give a bum some money, he'll just go buy beer." I admit that I too have felt this and probably at one time or another said a statement like this. I certainly don't want to enable someone's addiction. But I am concerned that in having these cautions, many in the church may not be doing anything at all.
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"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" ~Matthew25:40.

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Have you ever heard this verse quoted in relation to the homeless? I've heard it numerous times. And I'll be honest with you, it really bothers me. Why? Because Jesus says "one of these brothers of mine." Should we give to those in need? Yes! But in this verse, Jesus is calling for us to take care of the needs of Christians. When this verse is quoted in relation to homeless ministry by and large, it's taken out of context. That bugs me.

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So then I ask myself, are there any verses that would lead me to remember the needs of homeless? The answer to that questions is yes (and yes, and yes, and yes!). Here are a couple verses to keep in mind.

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"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" ~ Acts 20:35

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"Don't steel, work! Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need." ~ Ephesians 4:28

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Has God blessed you? If so, you can bless someone else. Think this Christmas of how it is that you might give to those in need. Share a package of socks for the homeless, buy a bag of groceries for a family in need, send some money to a Christian organization you can trust. Look for ways to evidence your care and concern for those who don't have as much as you have remembering Jesus' words, "It is better to give than to receive."

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May you be blessed in a very special (and maybe different way) this Christmas season as you look for ways to give.