The Bible says:  ‘If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?’ It’s a hard-hitting reminder for all of us, and we’ve probably all fallen short somewhere in our thinking of the needs of others and helping to meet those needs. Selflessness doesn’t mean that God is asking us to help others to the point where we neglect and sacrifice our own health and mental wellbeing. This can end up leading to resentment. He also doesn’t expect us to meet every single need that comes our way. But He is challenging the ‘what’s in it for me?’ attitude that we can fall into. Selfishness is a stronghold that must be broken down in order to experience true peace and joy, the sort that gives life meaning. James wrote: ‘My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them? A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food. If you say to that person “God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,” but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing. In the same way, faith by itself – that does nothing – is dead.’ (James 2:14-17 NCV). God loves us so much, but it’s a love that we should also be willing to pour out onto others by being sensitive to their needs and meeting them where we can.

What Now?

As you go through the day, try to be more aware of people who are in need of help in some way. Try and meet some of those needs, if you can.