Compassion and Generosity

“For you always have the poor with you…” (Matthew 26:11, ESV)

Over the years, I have often encountered people asking for money. One particular experience in Palestine, Texas, tested my understanding of compassion and generosity. A man approached me, asking for money to buy food. I gave him about $25, but shortly afterward, I saw him at the store purchasing alcohol. I felt regret, disappointment, and a sense of missed opportunity. I wondered if I should have given him food directly or offered to share a meal. It felt like a wasted chance to make a difference.

Obviously, we should use wisdom in these encounters. Many groups that aid the most vulnerable counsel against giving money to those in compromised moments. Instead, we should see them as human beings, made in the image of God, and aim to serve their souls and bodies. Directing them to safe places for shelter, food, and purpose can often be more beneficial. While we can’t help everyone, we can help some.

Reflecting on this now, I see a deeper lesson. It is a tiny speck of God’s interaction with us. God bestows us with amazing blessings, allowing us to do good in the world. Often, we squander these blessings, using them to our ruin. Yet, God’s generosity remains steadfast. In Matthew 5:45, Jesus reminds us, “… For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” This demonstrates the unconditional nature of God’s grace, which is not dependent on our actions but reflects His character. This same grace should guide our generosity, regardless of the outcome.

Similarly, in our acts of generosity, the outcome should not dictate our willingness to give. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul encourages, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Consider James 2:15-17, which says, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Generosity is about the condition of our hearts rather than the perceived worthiness of the recipient. Our actions should mirror God’s boundless grace, offering help without judgment or expectation.

We should be rethinking our interactions with those in need. Are we willing to give, knowing that the gift may not be used as intended? Can we find peace in giving itself, trusting that our generosity aligns us with God’s character?

I pray that we deepen our understanding of compassion and generosity. Let us strive to be like our Heavenly Father, who gives abundantly and loves unconditionally. By doing so, we not only participate in His divine nature but also have the power to transform both our hearts and the world around us. When aligned with God’s character, our actions can be a beacon of hope and love in a world that often feels so dark and cold. 

‌‌‌‌~PW 🌮🛶‌

#Postscript: Recommended Reading on the Life of Jesus

1. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
2. Feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14)
3. Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
4. The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-26)
5. The Healing of the Blind Man (John 9:1-12)
6. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)