|
|
|
We are to love everybody. It is correct though to plan on allocating
your resources in a prioritized manner. Since there is only so much in a church
budget, how much will you set aside to help your own members? How much to help strangers? Do you set aside anything for mercy? You don’t want to spend too much on the
lowest priority and have nothing for those to whom you are the most
obligated.
|
|
Since God forgave us admittedly wicked
people, we cannot just close our ears to those who are in trouble, even
if it is their own fault. Sometimes
God opens someone’s heart because of the disaster they have created around
themselves. Sometimes we don’t want to
help because we are angry at them, and feel they are reaping what they
sowed. Well, God could have treated
us that way too.
|
|
If we want to have any consistent and
effective ministry to the poor, we need to set up programs that will
help us be ready for need before it comes.
Examples of this are; food pantries, holiday gift baskets, Christmas
stores for poor families, funds set aside for utility and rent emergencies,
etc.
|
|
The Church is God’s vehicle for social change. It has a powerful role to play in helping
the poor. So much can be accomplished
just through good Biblical preaching.
This gets our attitude right, sets a vision, teaches Biblical
principles of taking care of ourselves and others, and how to use the
machinery of the church.
|
|
|
