What to Remember When Helping Others
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? - 1 John 3:17
One of the most dramatic symbols of political freedom in the world was the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. In 1990, church leaders invited Billy Graham to conduct a rally at the Brandenburg Gate. They said that rock stars, entertainers, and political groups had rallied at the Wall, but little or no attempt had been made to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Graham met one East German woman who said that when she came over to the other side of the wall, she expected to hear church bells ringing and be handed a Bible. Instead, she was greeted with about $50 to spend at luxury stores in the West.
She finished by saying, “What we really needed to hear was the voice of God.”
We do a disservice to the world when we try to alleviate suffering using only material things. Now it’s great to give what we have, but people need to hear the voice of God along with our generosity. There’s nothing more important!
The Gospel meets the deepest need of every human being. So help others financially, physically, and practically as God leads you. But as you do, never neglect to point them to His truth!
Prayer Challenge:
Ask God to give you a heart of compassion toward those in physical and spiritual need.
Questions for Thought:
What are the dangers of helping those in need but neglecting to point them to Jesus?
Who are some people you know today in need of God’s truth?
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