Homeless Veteran

I'm calloused. I say that about the guy who is standing on the freeway ramp holding a "I'm a homeless veteran sign-God Bless". There may be others who think that that guy is scamming the system, and there have been TV reports that that person actually makes $100's of tax free money a day, and in some ways its not a "bad job". Let's take a look at what the Bible says about that person( the needy).

Scripture

1 John 3:17-18 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

In the Message it says: 16-17 This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear. 18My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love.

Observation

I have been given much, and so when I see a brother and sister in need I need to obey the scripture and engage with them in their need. As I said I've become calloused to the people always begging, and I am only following my own thoughts, and not those of the Spirit.

Application

I have to follow the scripture and when I see a need, allow the Holy Spirit(verse 24) to guide me in how and what way to help my brother/sister, instead of relying on my own thoughts and prejudices about someone in need.

Prayer

Father, you have given to me lavishly. I would ask in my life that you would destroy in me any type of cold shoulder I would make towards the brother and sister, that you created, who are in need. And replace my coldness with the warmth of your love to my brother and sister, and then cause my hands and feet to go into motion. Amen.