After stating that the greatest commandment was to love God, Jesus said that the second greatest commandment was to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39, NIV). He also said “Do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12, ESV).
In this time of financial hardship we need to keep an eye out for people in distress that we might be able to help. Even if we don’t have much money maybe we can help with our time. But those with resources should seriously consider offering financial assistance.
The wealthy need to be careful that they manage their wealth in a way that pleases God. There is a point at which the pursuit of success becomes greed and Scripture warns us not even to associate with a Christian who is guilty of greed (1 Cor. 5:12).
Certainly, we need to help everyone in need, even our enemies. This post focuses on helping the members of our church family. In fact, our brothers and sisters have priority when it comes to assistance: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10, ESV). Some churches put a lot of effort into helping the needy outside their congregation and forget to search out the needs of their members and then gather assistance for them. But we need to help our family first.
If you were a seeker and you found out a congregation helped the needy outside their congregation but neglected the needy who were members what would you think? Wouldn’t a seeker think it was strange and uncaring to prioritize those on the outside? What kind of community is this that doesn’t take care of its own family? Why would someone want to become a part of that?
Instead, we are a light to the world when we demonstrate what a Christlike family looks like by taking care of our family first. So, we don’t just care for the spiritual and emotional needs of our family but we also seek to care for their material needs. John taught us plainly: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17, NIV). Jesus made this startling statement to his disciples about the way he will judge his followers based on their assistance to others: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40, NIV).
For example, is it okay for a faithful member of the congregation to struggle just to buy food and pay rent when another member has a thriving business or a million-dollar home or half a million in retirement savings? Should some children in the congregation lack decent clothing and housing while other church members dine at nice restaurants and spend tens of thousands of dollars on recreation? Should the wealthy have every opportunity to find quality pastoral care and spiritual counseling while the congregation cannot afford to hire another pastor to visit and help the needy members? In sum, will you care for your brothers and sisters in Christ?
I hope those with resources will be generous in this time of need. Large donations to big-name ministries are nice, but our local brothers and sisters have priority. Please consider setting up a financial resource network in your congregation. Those with resources could make specific pledges to help needy members who have been screened by the pastors. Jesus said: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35, NIV). Or, as my dad used to say: “Put your money where your mouth is.”
