Have you ever caught yourself hesitating to help someone in need? Maybe you've walked past a homeless person, averting your eyes, or questioned the motives of those asking for assistance. If so, you're not alone. But what if we're called to do more?
Recently, our church made a decision that challenged many of us – including myself. We decided to open our doors to people experiencing homelessness. When I first heard this, I'll admit, I thought, "Pastor Stephen, you've lost your mind." But this knee-jerk reaction brought me shame and forced me to confront some uncomfortable truths about myself and our society.
The Stigma of Homelessness
Society has taught us to be wary of those experiencing homelessness. We're often led to believe that "these people are either liars or lazy or have ill intentions." But I had to ask myself: "What does whether or not someone has a place to sleep have to do with a person's character?"
This realization reminded me of Jesus' ministry. He never sought out the well-to-do people. Instead, His ministry was directed to "the poor, the downtrodden, the outcasts of society." We are called to follow Jesus' example, to reach out a helping hand to those who need it most.
The Power of Giving
A story from a Masonic brother perfectly illustrates this point. After giving money to a homeless man, another brother criticized him, saying the man would just buy liquor. His response was profound: "Perhaps he will, but that's not what I will be judged for. I will be judged because I gave when I was able to."
This echoes the sentiment in Psalm 109:21, which says, "But you, O my Lord, act on my behalf for your name's sake, because your steadfast love is good. Deliver me." We're called to act on behalf of others, to show God's love through our actions.
Jesus' Example of Compassion
In John 5:1-9, we see Jesus demonstrating this principle. At the pool of Bethesda, Jesus approaches a man who had been ill for 38 years. Without being asked, Jesus offers healing, saying, "Stand up, take your mat and walk" (John 5:8).
This story teaches us that we shouldn't wait for people to approach us for help. Sometimes, we need to take the initiative, just as Jesus did. We may not be able to perform miracles, but we can still change someone's life through acts of kindness and support.
Small Acts, Big Impact
"We are most certainly not miracle workers," I told my congregation. "You and I cannot cure illnesses or homelessness with just a simple word, but we can still change someone's life." Even a kind word or a smile can improve someone's day, especially for those who are often treated as outcasts.
But we can do more. We can supply food, water, shelter, or money. We can volunteer our time. As I reminded my congregation, "However we're enabled to by our own skills, it is within our power to change the world for our fallen brothers and sisters. We must simply reach out the helping hand when we are able to."
Life Application: Putting Compassion into Action
As we embark on this journey of opening our church to those experiencing homelessness, I'm reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Let us go forth each day "invigorated and ready to help up our fallen siblings." May we all say, with open and helping hands, Amen.
Recently, our church made a decision that challenged many of us – including myself. We decided to open our doors to people experiencing homelessness. When I first heard this, I'll admit, I thought, "Pastor Stephen, you've lost your mind." But this knee-jerk reaction brought me shame and forced me to confront some uncomfortable truths about myself and our society.
The Stigma of Homelessness
Society has taught us to be wary of those experiencing homelessness. We're often led to believe that "these people are either liars or lazy or have ill intentions." But I had to ask myself: "What does whether or not someone has a place to sleep have to do with a person's character?"
This realization reminded me of Jesus' ministry. He never sought out the well-to-do people. Instead, His ministry was directed to "the poor, the downtrodden, the outcasts of society." We are called to follow Jesus' example, to reach out a helping hand to those who need it most.
The Power of Giving
A story from a Masonic brother perfectly illustrates this point. After giving money to a homeless man, another brother criticized him, saying the man would just buy liquor. His response was profound: "Perhaps he will, but that's not what I will be judged for. I will be judged because I gave when I was able to."
This echoes the sentiment in Psalm 109:21, which says, "But you, O my Lord, act on my behalf for your name's sake, because your steadfast love is good. Deliver me." We're called to act on behalf of others, to show God's love through our actions.
Jesus' Example of Compassion
In John 5:1-9, we see Jesus demonstrating this principle. At the pool of Bethesda, Jesus approaches a man who had been ill for 38 years. Without being asked, Jesus offers healing, saying, "Stand up, take your mat and walk" (John 5:8).
This story teaches us that we shouldn't wait for people to approach us for help. Sometimes, we need to take the initiative, just as Jesus did. We may not be able to perform miracles, but we can still change someone's life through acts of kindness and support.
Small Acts, Big Impact
"We are most certainly not miracle workers," I told my congregation. "You and I cannot cure illnesses or homelessness with just a simple word, but we can still change someone's life." Even a kind word or a smile can improve someone's day, especially for those who are often treated as outcasts.
But we can do more. We can supply food, water, shelter, or money. We can volunteer our time. As I reminded my congregation, "However we're enabled to by our own skills, it is within our power to change the world for our fallen brothers and sisters. We must simply reach out the helping hand when we are able to."
Life Application: Putting Compassion into Action
- Challenge Your Prejudices: The next time you encounter someone experiencing homelessness, pause and consider their humanity. Remember, "God stands at the right hand of the needy" (Psalm 109:31).
- Give When You Can: Whether it's spare change, a meal, or your time, give what you're able. Remember, it's not about how the gift is used, but that you gave when you could.
- Support Local Outreach: Get involved with organizations in your community that serve the homeless. At our church, we support Greensboro Urban Ministry, Hot Dish and Hope, and Backpack Beginnings.
- Pray for the Homeless: Include those experiencing homelessness in your prayers. Ask God to guide you in how you can best serve them.
- Advocate for Change: Use your voice to support policies and programs that address the root causes of homelessness in your community.
As we embark on this journey of opening our church to those experiencing homelessness, I'm reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Let us go forth each day "invigorated and ready to help up our fallen siblings." May we all say, with open and helping hands, Amen.
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