Come, you blessed...

These are the words found in Matt. 25:34, when the King (God) says, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in..." We understand from this passage that we are supposed to be about good works and having a servant heart.

I have had many people in my life time come asking for assistance in one form or another. Just last night this happened again, with a total stranger coming up to me asking me for help. As a Christians you want to help them, but in the back of my mind I am always questioning, "Do they really need it or are they lying?" We want to do the right thing, but the way our world is, you are not always sure who is telling the truth or who is just trying to take you for your money. If you have found yourself in this situation here are a few suggestions in no particular order that maybe will help you in deciding what to do:

1.      Do Good to Please God – Matt. 6:1-4.  Do not do good, just because it may be an opportunity for other people to see you doing it, but do it because it will be pleasing to God.

2.       We have to be willing – Matt. 8:1-4.  Many times we see Jesus helping because He was willing to.  We might have to ask ourselves the question if we are willing or not and go from there.  

 

3.      Give what we have – Acts 3:6. – Even if we do not have anything physical to give, we can always leave people with words from almighty God, an encouraging word, or a word of prayer.

4.      Don’t give to all who ask – Acts 8 (Asked out of impure motives). Simon was not given what he asked for just because he asked for it.  Just because people ask for it, doesn’t mean they always should get it, or necessarily means they need it. 

5.       Ask many detailed questions (If they really need help, they will not mind answering questions) 

               a. What specifically is the need

               b. Why do you need it.

               c. Who else have you asked. 

               d. Where is your destination (specific location)
               e. Where are you coming from.

      6.   If possible, Prove what is said.  

a. People will lie to get whatever they are asking for, so we want to make sure we are helping those truly in need.

     7.    Always try to meet the need, & never give $$

               a. Money can be used for anything other than their request.

     8.  Leave them with something about Jesus.

a. A simple statement of, “May God bless you’ leave a person with the thought of God when you leave.

Let us do good unto other, but especially to those of the household of fiath (Gal. 6:10)