“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you’ — when you already have it with you.”
— Proverbs 3:27 – 28
Rachel was awakened in the night by fire engines. Sirens screamed and lights flashed. Within an hour, a neighbor’s house had burned to the ground. Everyone got out safely — a mother and four small children — but they lost everything. The next day, her parents collected things for the family. Rachel was glad to help her mom pack up sheets and towels and canned goods for the neighbors. But when her mom suggested she add a few stuffed bears from her collection, Rachel paused. “Well, okay, I’ll sort through them this weekend and decide which ones to give away.” Her mom replied, “Those children have nothing left — no toys or clothes or beds. I think if they had teddy bears to hold tonight, it might help them.” Rachel stared at the floor. “I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll get the bears now.”
It’s good to feel compassion for people, but that feeling needs to be followed by action. “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:15 – 16).
More to Explore: Galatians 6:10
Girl Talk: Have you helped someone else by giving them something of yours? Who could use your help today?
God Talk: “Lord, I need to be more sensitive. Help me to notice people in need and then to help them generously. Amen.”
From Chick Chat by Kristi Holl