Compassion In Action

He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker;whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 17:5 (NIV)

To mock the poor or to gloat over disaster in someone’s life would be to look down on people like you are better than them, not because of who they are but because circumstances put them in the low place. They are helpless, and we can view them as hopeless. But let’s never forget, except for the grace of God, we could be them.

So who are those who are poor in this world, those whose lives face disaster? One very large group is foster children. They are left without a home of their own, bounced around, vulnerable and feeling like outcasts.

One church in Florida, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, became so moved by these children’s plight, they knew they had to get involved. Out of this, God birthed a ministry called 4KIDS of South Florida. This is from the church’s website.

“Every day in South Florida, an average of eight to twelve children are removed from their homes as a result of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. 4KIDS is an organization founded to meet the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of these children. Since 1999 we have provided housing and care for thousands of children.”

I’m going to close by saying I believe it’s no accident that you are reading this today. I believe that God wants to stir someone’s heart that God loves these children. He’s not forgotten them. They are helpless but not hopeless. And maybe he’ll use you.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

People are poor in lots of ways besides just money. How can we put our compassion into action? Here are some tangible ways.

• Do you know of a child who has trouble with schoolwork? Offer to tutor them once a week to help with reading or math.
• Offer to give an elderly person a ride to the doctor, or help with some yard work.
• Prayer is the greatest gift. Pause and pray right now for someone going through a difficult time.
• A book or a funny card in the mail can add a smile to someone’s dreary day.

One Year Bible Reading

1 Kings 11:1–12:19; Acts 9:1-25; Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 17:4-5