Does God care about the weak and helpless in society? Do we?

Does it embarrass us that we spend so much time "discussing" or arguing about fine theological points, yet don't take enough time to show our love for the poor, helpless, young and aged?

It was about this time of year that Rich Mullins was killed in an auto accident in 1997.

I exited a cultic group in about 1995. One of my newly found Christian friends introduced me to Rich Mullins' music. I attended one of his concerts in 1996.

One of his passions involved a group called Compassion International. Compassion International is a very financially responsible Christian group that runs centers around the world focused on teaching younger people Christianity.

Rich strongly promoted Compassion International. It wasn't a matter that Rich was some prosperous musician who had spare bucks, because he only paid himself the equivalent of the average US worker, and donated the rest of his earnings to Christian charities. So, he was living at the level of the normal American worker.

Anyways, if you read the Bible carefully (and I am hoping you do, if you are participating in doctrinal discussions), it isn't hard to see that God is very concerned about the widows, orphans, and helpless in society. And, those who will ultimately be saved are too.

Read the last part of Matthew 25. What is the difference between the sheep and the goats? Is it Sabbath-keeping? No. That's part of why I'm no longer a Sabbathkeeper. The sheep cared about brethren who were helpless, and met their needs.

I'd like to suggest two concrete ways to do this.

One, sponsor a child through Compassion International. It costs $38 a month. You can give the child a birthday gift, Christmas gifts, and other small gifts, but the basic commitment is $38 a month.

Two, contribute a shoebox to Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse. You can get a box, and fill it up over the next few months, piece by piece. Maybe get your kids involved to teach them to be generous.

By the way, my guess is that more mature Christians on this site are already doing such things to show God's love in a practical way. But, sometimes we need reminders. I went through a long period of backsliding where I had a great income yet consumed it on my own desires. I didn't totally ignore the poor, but I threw them crumbs rather than loving them like Jesus loved me.

To be honest, I think most American Christians are like the foolish man who keeps building up his barns and doesn't care about the poor and needy. When the judgment comes, we will find out what matters and what doesn't. I think our selfishness and self-deception will be shown to us in a very plain way. Will we stand before Christ embarrassed because we didn't show love toward others, but we were valiant conquerors in some argument regarding a fine matter of doctrine?

I have repented of that. My income is much less now but I am still going to continue being generous.

You can find Compassion International at www.compassion.com.

You can find Operation Christmas Child at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/.

Thats a good reminder. This is a GREAT way to further the GOSPEL as well may I add.

People seem to like and respect you a lot more if you help em out!

I don't believe the toss-money-at-things-to-make-yourself-feel-better scheme is concrete at all.

All these towns with gatherings, I think, are the ones that are supposed to be serving the communities around them. And alot of them do. But for the most part, the organised church has turned from serving the people to the people serving the church.

I'm not sure if I understand, but the giver feeling better isn't the goal. The goal is demonstrating love toward individuals who are suffering from poverty and poor teaching. Compassion International operates in developing countries where food and proper Christian education are lacking.

In developed nations like the USA, individuals who want to know about evangelical Christianity have a myriad of opportunities. Their lack of instruction is mainly their own fault. I'm guessing many homeless people even have cell phone service.

I see a place for both, though. I don't see a place for Christians consuming their wealth upon themselves, though, and withholding resources God has blessed them with. Ultimately there is a day of reckoning.

Before I say this, I disavow that I am Pentecostal or charismatic so don't interpret the following remarks in that worldview.

But, Christians are engaged in a cosmic battle with the forces of darkness. It is the job of Christians to throw wrenches into the kingdom of darkness. Ultimately, Christ has won the victory but believers are to conquer and be victorious and to fight against the kingdom of darkness.

My position would be that many Christians are sitting in well-supplied bunkers while their fellow soldiers are out on the battlefield beating back the enemy. Either that, or they are being REMFs (look that up), and stumbling around away from the action in a stupor.

Instead, they should be fighting or supplying ammo to those who are at the front. Regarding Compassion International, I believe they are soldiers at the front, and deserve support. There may be some type of Christianity in their areas (maybe Roman Catholicism or Word of Faith or TBN style nuts), but not a sound version of it.

There are many poor and truly people in need of help, around all of us. My we love like Jesus and help others.

John 13:35, “By this shall all know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 14:21, “he who possesses My commands and guards them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I shall love him and manifest Myself to him.”