08/28/2026
In a society where "interest" cripples the welfare of individuals, we are called to be different.
Luke 6:27-38
I've only found few people in this life who will give without expectation, at least they don't say anything about owing. Looking into the heart of people, although they may not outwardly voice their desire for a return on their time, money, or investment, a grudge is still held. Either they pester about what they've done for you or they harbor frustration quietly that you haven't been their for them the way they have for you.........
As Christians we are to do all that we can to help all people, not just the ones we like or the ones we feel can benefit us.
For example: Christianity shaped American healthcare by establishing the foundational model of charitable care for all people, which evolved into today's extensive non-profit and religious hospital systems.
We do not turn people away simply because they are not Christians. Now this is to the extent of lending aid and hospitality, NOT in the role of allowing membership and authority within the church itself. That being said, even as the saints of Christ we often gauge our efforts based on our opinion of someone's character and lifestyle.
A key word that comes up in a lot of my wife and my conversations is "balance". One of the elders of our church refers to this as being good stewards of God's gifts.
It is imperative that we do not take the authority from God to condemn, but take the gifts God has poured out upon our lives to benefit those less fortunate around us to the extent of holding no expectation on the individual, but not forsaking the responsibility of providing for those God has placed in our care.
Example: Your enjoying a day out downtown admiring the sites and you come across a homeless person. By all appearances and smell you conclude that alcohol and drugs are involved with this persons state of being. Most "holier than thou" would say, "If I give them money they are just going to spend it on drugs and alcohol." Over the next few weeks, you've given in and you have witnessed many others also give money to this homeless person. Their state has not improved nor changed at all. Now you're angry because you have seen no effect from your generous gift and the gifts from others.
This is the most common of scenarios, 1. Because that is generally what is asked of us. 2. It is the simplest form of giving without having to go out of the way.
The issue is that most of us cannot provide enough to pull this person from this state, and even if we could the majority of the time money is not the root cause nor solution to this person's state.
As Christians we should be well aware that the cause of all strife, agony, suffering, pain, and death is the result of sin and the free will of man. It is upon our shoulders to find the balance in our efforts to help others. Minor inconvenience does not justify denial in providing assistance.
Offer that which would truly be of aid instead of copping-out to throw a few dollars or a cheeseburger.
I had a Pastor previously who assisted by getting an individual set up in a home, scheduling a job interview, and getting the necessities to help them get started on the right track without forsaking his own responsibilities to his wife and children all the while witnessing to this man of the saving grace provided by Christ. This is a primary example of truly loving and trying to assist. Was it a success? I don't know. The man that was helped has free will to do as he pleases, but the Pastor succeeded in offering what was truly beneficial with no expectation of a return.
Primary point; Give abundantly and freely and trust that God will provide for you.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8, 2 Timothy 5:8, Titus 2:7, Acts 20:35, Luke 12:42-46, Proverbs 3:27, Mark 12:41-44, Romans 12:19, Deuteronomy 32:35
