There Is Always A Need

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’- Deuteronomy 15:11

I was blown away by the number of turkeys that were donated during T-shirts For Turkeys week. Over 30,000 families will be blessed with food on their table for Thanksgiving. The one thing that always moves me is those that come out to donate who were once a recipient of a turkey. They were once in need, and now they have the means to be able to give to help others. 

It’s unfortunate that there are always people in need. This economic downturn has hurt so many people in our communities. As long as there is still a need, we are called by God to reach out to help. 

It doesn’t always have to involve giving money. I have had people say they wish they had enough to give financially. What about your time or your talents? Paul, in his letter to the Romans, writes- 

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (Romans 12:6-9)

You and I have been blessed with different talents that that can be used to help those in need. I have a few friends who love to help with their hands to fix or build things for those who need work done in their homes. My wife, Nancy, has a heart for children in foster care, and works with our church to get families to buy gifts for them. We may not have the resources, but she uses what God has given her to put her plan into action. 

We need to keep in mind that the needs of people around us aren’t seasonal- they are year-round. If we can find the time to serve in our community during the busiest time of the year, how can we continue that next month, and the month after that? It’s a way to not only help meet needs, but to show the love of Jesus to them. 

Ask God to point out ways you can help those in need. What moves you? What skills can you put to use for others? Let’s always look for ways to lift up others.

Open your hand to your brother.

In Christ’s love,
Rob