We find the story of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of Luke, chapter ten. A student of the law asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” He wanted to justify his actions or inactions when it came to the command to love his neighbor. He tried to place the responsibility on someone else’s shoulders. And, I think many of us want to the same in today’s world. Who is responsible for caring for the sick and suffering in our society? Who is my neighbor?

Proverbs 31:9 “Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Recently, on my charity’s Facebook page, I shared some photos of what poverty looks like in Nepal, the location of one of our children’s home. The picture got lots of views and comments. Several of the comments mentioned governments or the UN should step in to help in these areas. I understand the thoughts behind the comments, but it made me stop and think about who has the responsibility to help the poor.

James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Throughout the Bible, we find many passages and verses that talk about helping the poor, the widow or the orphans. One example I found in Psalm 82:3, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” This verse makes it clear that we should help the poor and the oppressed. But, who are the “WE” that this verse and others like it are addressing to help? Is it only governments or social programs that should help the needy?

We are responsible for caring for those in need around us and around the world. Click To Tweet

Mother Teresa – “Intense love does not measure. It just gives.”

Many of us, like the student of the law in the parable of the Good Samaritan, want to pass off the responsibility of caring for our neighbors, the poor and the oppressed to someone else. The Bible contains instructions to individuals so we can live the kind of life God expects of us. We are responsible for caring for those in need around us and around the world. As Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” We are all called to do something to help the poor, it is our responsibility so why not start today?

Mother Teresa said - If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one. Click To Tweet

Blessings,

Yvonne – #blogger, #speaker, and #author

Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”