The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
Matthew 25:43 -I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
Look around. Glimpse. Stare. Watch. What do you see? Every one of those in need is “Jesus” and if we ignore those in need, we are doing the same toward Jesus.
Matthew 25:44– “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
Jesus’ words throughout the Bible are always powerful. But these particular passages in Matthew 25:43-45 are immensely moving and overwhelmingly intense. It reaches down to the very core of who we are as Christians. It’s symbolic of who we are and what we stand for. It is a representation of Christ Himself.
Matthew 25:45– “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”
Witnessing even “one homeless” person and turning eyes is not charitable in spirit. And some might say, “well it’s only one person” but it is as profound as if it were a thousand. In fact, more so when you think about it.
Of course, we can’t change the world in the same way God can. He is in control of ALL things at ALL times. But He expects us to do something that we can handle. Something that is reasonably within our power of persuasion, and what is directly feasible to our own particular set of circumstances.
What can those things be? – Well for starters, volunteer.
My husband and I volunteer and provide items for a local food pantry for the homeless, and financially needy. It is something we can do to make a small difference in someone’s life. It can offset the burden of a staff member and defray the costs for the town providing for these individuals. In fact, my husband is known as the “Bread Angel” because most people don’t seem to bring bread. I still haven’t figured that out yet why people don’t supply bread. But be that as it may, bread is a scarce thing in a local pantry kitchen, at least by us. But there is an important sign that is emblazoned high up on the kitchen wall that says it all about bread, it reads as follows:
Matthew 4:4 – But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Number two -Offering to buy someone a meal, if you can afford to. Of course, sometimes the individual(s) may be emotionally unstable, and it can be challenging. We’ve encountered a couple of these situations. However, with my background I’m usually able to ascertain quite readily, who we can and cannot approach. So therefore, caution is advised in these cases. In this type of situation, we hand out cards for the local shelters where they can get help. And provide cards for places that accept homeless families.
Number three -Animal shelters need funds to keep their places open to care for God’s creatures. They also need help. Donate a bed, toys, dog food. Blankets. There is a list of things they need. If you call, the staff in the shelters will be more than happy to tell you what they’re in dire need of. All of God’s creatures need love and compassion as well.
There are so many things we can do along the way while here on earth and in these flesh bodies. The main thing is that we try. And when we pray and ask for guidance and His light to shine on where and how we may help, it invariably will happen. Because each of us is unique in what we can accomplish through Christ, we are called for different things. The common thread in plurality is Christ’s love. He will show us what to do, when we really aspire to do something about conditions and issues that surround humanity.
We’ve encountered many people along the way. Precious animals too. God sees them all. Nothing escapes His loving eyes, and it’s all written in His book. Make no mistake about it, one day there will be an accounting for our actions, or lack of actions. We will stand in front of Him. There is no way around it. Christ will judge us every single one of us. And based on our lives we will either be justly rewarded or suffer the consequences thereof. Have you ever thought about which of those will be ascribed to you on judgement day?
Revelation 20:12 -And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Are you ready to stand before the LORD? It’s never too late to begin to live for Christ and accept Him as your Savior. And it’s never too late to make a difference in someone’s life, or your own!
“Father God, May I serve You in all things, today, tomorrow and always, may I be a source of light to those in need, and may I be a voice of reason in a world of insanity, and may I walk in your commandments, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Wonderful information you have shared. Hoping it prompts people to consider others and take action to offer help.
It is an overwhelming ordeal in this world. All the more as we see the added problems mounting on the average households who may have been in recent times a donor who now has to find ways to take care of their own family members because resources are dwindling.
I think that giving bread is a great idea if it is handed out in person due to the fact that it can readily become stale or moldy. So it is considered more of a perishable item whereas dry goods and canned food works better for people making donations in person. But by your presence there this makes a absolute welcoming gift as bread is an everyday item people like to have.
I am grateful for online ways of donating.
Our church finds at least 3 families in our community who need such help especially around the holidays. We have a collection for a month for people in the church to bring food as well as cash for these families.
Also we travel to a children’s home about an hour away and bring food and gifts to them and the staff. During the year a visit is made also to help with needs around the grounds. This place also has women and children living there from abused situations so it is a safe haven.
I have heard about people paying for another person’s meal behind them in drive throughs which is a kind gesture.
So there is a number of ways to be a blessing but we need to be cautious too as you mentioned.
Hello Cora,
Thanks again for your comments and suggestions. The bread we bring is slicked bread in packages, and perhaps the reasons you gave is why most people don’t bring it. But we’ve established within this particular pantry that there is a need for sliced bread. Elderly people especially love toast, or Peanut butter sandwiches. So, that’s why my husband is known as the bread angel. I like that title, as it makes me think of Matthew 4:4- “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Your suggestions about how to donate are very valuable and certainly other options in helping those in need. One can always do something, and again all within their own means and capabilities.
Thank you, Cora, for your encouragement and wise statements.
God Bless you and yours~
There is another way that I heard from several people and that is creating a care package to give to people asking for handouts. Many times we come across people holding up signs but the concern is what they are doing with monetary donations. Giving non perishable food items and even hand wipes, etc.gives them some aid and along with that , a gospel tract.
We experience individuals standing on off ramps with signs. They are there for months sometimes and it appears that they aren’t trying to get a job. And there are times when they stand around cigarette smoking or even seeing liquor cans/ bottles tossed to the ground.
It causes people to be skeptical and we can also be quick to judge. So sticking with a simple package put together can make them see that there are caring people out there.
Yes,Cora!
Another great way of showing our compassion and our love for others.
Thank you again for your suggestions in how we can reach others.
God Bless~
For five years I spoke in chapel services and interacted with the helpless, homeless, and hurting people at the local rescue mission. It was one of the best experiences in my life. I came to realize that many of these folks were very decent people who had fallen against very difficult times. And never judge people by their appearance. I sat down, had lunch with them, and they told me things I never asked them to tell. When people really know you care they will open up to you. Some of them looked like people that the average person would shun, but they had accepted Jesus as their Savior. But, you are correct, we have to use wisdom and discretion on who we help, and how we help them.
Hello John,
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, and you certainly were following Jesus’ example and shining His light to all those in need. How wonderful that you spoke in chapels and took the time to listen. Sometimes, listening can be the most valuable thing we can do.
You are correct John, yes, most homeless individuals’ appearances are what can prevent others from interacting. It’s the gentle urging of the Spirit leading us that gives us the wisdom and compassion to go forward.
Have a blessed day~