God made provision for all people. We are also called to make provision for the poor, the widow, the fatherless, and the down trodden. Do we ignore this making the excuse: They should work, or they are only looking for a hand out, or maybe they are lazy? How many of us has heard or said as much?
I am very thankful that Jesus did not ignore us but came to earth walked perfectly among us, healed all who came to Him, fed the thousands, went to the woman at the well and to the man in the tombs that could not reach Him! Then He selflessly suffered at the hands of sinners, was nailed to a cross for sinners who did nothing to deserve His love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Jesus now walks among us and never turns away any one who seeks Him in truth.
James 1:26-27 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Isaiah 58:6-7 Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?
We can do these things in small ways every day: hold the door for the one coming behind you, see someone short of payment for food and quietly make up the difference if you can, listen to the Holy Spirit for a word of encouragement for someone near, smile, take a meal to one who is sick. Be aware of the opportunities that are around us every day. If we are asked give what we can.
