There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.
- Deuteronomy 15:11
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.
- Proverbs 19:17
In a recent Christianity Today article, writer Anthony Baxter related that:
“Churches across the UK are being asked to open their doors this winter as a place of warmth and support for people struggling with the cost of living crisis. Food and energy price rises have sent household bills soaring, leaving many people worried about how they will get through the winter and facing the prospect of choosing between heating or eating. Last month Citizens' Advice forecast that 1 in 4 people will not be able to afford their new energy bills despite the recently announced price cap. Responding to the crisis, the ChurchWorks Commission has launched a new initiative asking churches and community centres to open up as a place of warmth and welcome during the winter months. The 'Warm Welcome' campaign has the support of former prime minister Gordon Brown and 1,000 churches have already signed up.
Mr Brown said, "This crisis goes far beyond politics; this is a moral issue - our responsibilities to our neighbours and in particular to those who have the least and whose needs are the greatest.”
Paul Butler, the Bishop of Durham (Church of England) and Chair of the ChurchWorks Commission said, "Over the last few years, we have seen inspiring and meaningful action from churches across the UK stepping up to help those most vulnerable. Through the Covid-19 pandemic, the Church responded quickly and creatively. Now, during another national crisis, churches and community centres need to once again step up by being places of warm welcome in their localities. As bills increase, even with government support, millions will be affected and unable to afford basics. Churches and community groups are perfectly positioned to help those who need a place of warmth and welcome, but if we are truly going to make an impact on a national level, we need hundreds of groups to pledge their space."
Now, we know this article is concentrated on the UK. “Why, that’s on the other side of the pond!” you might say. But…
According to recent reports, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) estimates the average American family may pay up to $1,200 more this winter to heat their home…which is notable considering most families are already feeling financially strapped.
What’s more, the 40% of U.S. families that use natural gas to heat their homes could see their winter heating costs increase by 30%, according to NEADA.
Yeah, we are all going to have a tough winter. But, for some, it could be economically catastrophic. It’s why we should remember the words, And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased - Hebrews 13:16.
We all need to be there for one another. We need others to be there for us.
After all, today may be a good day. There may be money in the bank. Electricity in the house. Food in the refrigerator. Health in the home. Your team winning. Happiness in the heart.
But, tomorrow? Well, we don’t know about tomorrow. Neither do you. Therefore, we must remember to care for one another…to love one another. After all, Jesus said, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” - Luke 6:38.
That’s good news. I care for you. You care for me. We care for one another. It’s Christian.
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 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? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. - James 2:14-17
In our lives, Missy and I have seen a lot of Christians not act like Christ. Likewise, we’ve seen a lot of non-Christ followers act like Christ. Things that make you go, “Hmmm.”
This winter - let’s open our hearts and yes our churches to those in need. We know what is coming. We know how to help. But, knowing and doing are two different things. Knowing what Jesus said and doing what Jesus said? Yeah, there’s a difference.
So, it’s going to get cold. What can we (followers of Jesus) do about it?
1.) Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as God speaks to you and directs your path.
2.) Listen to others. Look at others. You will know if they need help.
3.) If you need help, crush pride and reach out - give someone else the opportunity to care and love you.
4.) Don’t say, “I’ll be praying about that.” Do something about that.
5.) Encourage your religious leaders to create opportunities for the entire fellowship to do something about the physical needs of those in your community.
6.) Don’t play the blame game for others unfortunate circumstances. You wouldn’t want people blaming you for something that is beyond your control either.
So, it’s going to get cold. What can we (followers of Jesus) do about it?
1.) Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as God speaks to you and directs your path.
2.) Listen to others. Look at others. You will know if they need help.
3.) If you need help, crush pride and reach out - give someone else the opportunity to care and love you.
4.) Don’t say, “I’ll be praying about that.” Do something about that.
5.) Encourage your religious leaders to create opportunities for the entire fellowship to do something about the physical needs of those in your community.
6.) Don’t play the blame game for others unfortunate circumstances. You wouldn’t want people blaming you for something that is beyond your control either.
You say you love Jesus? “Go, and do likewise.” Sisters and brothers, the world needs our living faith.
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