CARING FOR THE NEEDY

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 “You give them something to eat” - Matthew 14:16

I witnessed a recent event of charity near me that turned into a catastrophe. A wealthy philanthropist, perhaps moved by compassion for the masses mauled by the current economic distress in the land, sent out notification on social media of the plan to give a sum of money to a set number of the needy at a particular location on a fixed date on first-come-first-served basis at a particular time. But to the chagrin of the philanthropist, an unbelievably large multitude had gathered at the gate long before dawn. When the gate was eventually opened at the stated time, a massive stampede ensued during which a great number of people lost their lives.

One writer told this story, 'Lisa and Freddie McMillan own a unique restaurant in Brewton, Alabama. They offer a full hot meal to all who stand in line—at no charge. This couple has invested from their own savings to make a difference for senior citizens who often go without meals and rarely enjoy a restaurant experience. A donation box receives contributions. Lisa says, “Sometimes we find nothing there. Sometimes a thank-you note. Sometimes $1,000. Always, we have everything we need. Our goal is to feed the need, restore dignity, and develop community.” ' Caring for the needy can be a daunting task—unless we depend on God! 

The Gospels mention records of Jesus feeding thousands by inviting His disciples to participate. We read in bible Matthew 14, 'And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” (vss.14-16)

In the bible book of Acts, we learn in chapter 4 that in the early church, believers “shared everything they had” and “there were no needy persons among them” (vss.32, 34). Many of them sold property and gave the proceeds to the apostles, who “distributed to anyone who had need” (vv. 34-35). Understanding that their possessions ultimately belonged to God, they voluntarily invested in the lives of others from what they owned.God provides. Sometimes by His own hand and sometimes through the hands of His people. He feeds our need so that we can feed the need of others.

On the other hand, the bible also showed us the consequence of hoarding our possessions from the needy. We read the story of Nabal the scoundrel in 1Samuel 25 that while in the wilderness, David's men asked the wealthy man Nabal for sustenance. Nabal insulted David's men and refused to offer them supplies. David intended to kill Nabal and his servants, but Nabal's wife, Abigail, interceded and calmed David, who spared Nabal's life. But ultimately Nabal paid for his stinginess with his life. He got so drunk while celebrating his bountiful fortune that he died of a stroke! (vss.28-30).

For our own emulation, several scriptural passages enlighten us on caring for the poor and needy:

- But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? (I John 3:17)

- He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. (Proverbs 19:17)

- Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. - (Luke 12:33)

- For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’ (Deuteronomy 15:11)

- Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)

- Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:9)

For your questions, answers and comments, kindly DM me.

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