Giving More than One Day a Year
James 2:16 and if one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them those things which are needful to the body, what good is it?
When I was working as a hairdresser, I volunteered my time at a homeless shelter. I gave away the only thing I had to offer, free haircuts. The shelter gave me a small room in the back, and I had no running water. But the heartfelt thanks from the men, women and some children who had never had a haircut, was so wonderful. It warmed my heart inside to do something good, just for goodness’ sake. A young womans hair I cut said she was getting some second hand clothes and now with a haircut felt confident to try and look for a job again. I didn’t think what I did at the time was all that important, just something I knew how to do and it was a way to help people I knew needed it.
During the holidays we often find people in such a hurry. With storms and bad weather brewing during the winter months people are often even more hurried to get home from work. More traffic, more crowds at the stores, and we see people more stressed during the holidays. People are so frustrated with the bills and still trying to buy a tree and presents for family, they often sound more like a scrooge than spreading good cheer. People ringing up credit cards and going deeper into debt for the coming new year. Some people do stop to think about those who are less fortunate and drop some change in a Salvation Army bucket on their way into the department stores. Some stop to plan a day to volunteer and feed the homeless at the local shelter. Some churches take up more offerings of blankets and clothing to give to the homeless or needy. Some just quickly write a small check and send it into their local charity. There are so many others that never stop to think about those who really need a helping hand. They are so focused on getting the latest toys for their kids, they say that they can’t spare a dime, after spending $250 for that new game console.
Even if you don’t happen to live in an area where you wake up to homeless people on the street it does not mean they don’t exist. When the weather is cold outside, and many of us can’t wait to quickly run inside to get warm, there are many men, elderly, woman and children, that have no place to run into. Imagine how you want to give your child a toy they have really been wanting and seeing the wonderful smile on their face Christmas morning. Now imagine a homeless child who would be happy to have a warm meal and a place to sleep without being scared. Have you ever been to a homeless shelter and seen the heartache that a mother feels when she hears her children crying because they are cold or hungry? It breaks your heart.
We are told as Christians to have compassion and genuinely care for others. Jesus taught us that we should ‘love our neighbor.’ We must remember, just because we give around the holidays, does not mean that our little bit of clothing from the back of the closet or little bit of money stamped out homelessness. It continues day in and day out for so many. We must remember to always help, always give what we can and even if we don’t have a fortune, we can still give our time.
Jesus had compassion for us and we must show our compassion for others. When you see an older person, think of them as your grandparent or parent. When you see someone your own age, think of them as your brother or sister, and when they are younger think of them as your child. If you really look at people this way, you will be looking at them from your heart, where God dwells in you.
Luke 14:13-14 But when you make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, (14) and you shall be blessed, for they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.
