You know the story - the good "holy" people pass by the person in need while the "non-holy" and "despised" Samaritan stopped and helped the person who had been left for dead.
Jesus tells this story to the holy rollers of the day and really, didn't make many friends with his story. But over and over, we find Jesus talking to people who are "less than desireable."
We have the woman at the well, divorced multiple times. He had a tax collector in the dozen, and also spent time eating with Zacheus. The women that followed him were often stuck in addictions, maybe secret single parents due to their "profession."
People may not be bleeding on the outside. In fact, Jesus seemed to find people that were broken on the inside.
Personally, by and large, I believe that people on the street are not there by choice. But I've talked to many that stay there by choice. If I invite them to a place where there is food and shelter like the Union Gospel Mission, they say "No - they want me to change." Which means, "I prefer the drugs and other habits over the shelter and food." In fact, in Seattle, the guys holding out cups literally have signs that say "I'm not going to lie, I'm hungry but I'm going to buy drugs." And the people in the stadium laugh at them and drop in their coins.
When we pass by a person in need, what are we saying? What are we justifying in our heads? See, you just heard what bothers me about giving to the needy. I know I'm struggling to feed my own family. Why would I give in these situations.
Love requires Sacrifice.
I'm challenged. Is the stuff I own available for God's use in my life? Then I came across this verse:
Proverbs 3:27 - Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
I'm not trying to justify my situation when I withhold money - but I wonder if I'm giving my talent, or perhaps just my time.
I will always remember Mother Theresa saying to a visitor "Did you touch the lepers? Yes.? Yes. They like that." Touching the untouchable is a gift.
Can I do the same? Maybe I don't have treasure, but what do I have to give?
