He knocked at the door, of the place of my family gathering. We had all finished eating and we were beginning to pack the leftovers up. My mom answered the door and in the bitter cold stood a homeless man, politely asking for any leftovers. My mom brought him in and fed him. He stayed inside as long as possible as he ate good food, and even enjoyed desserts he probably hadn’t had in some time. Before he left, my dad prayed with him and my mom hugged him and sent him home with more leftovers. There was nothing more we could leave him with. Though with prayer still on our lips, we just trusted God to be with him. I am still thinking of him, this stranger, and so many like him out there in these frigid temperatures. It saddens me, but I know we did what we could for this man. I know there are more like him out there. Friend, we cannot save everyone from poverty and in todays world, it can be dangerous to take a stranger in. However, there are so many other wonderful things that we can do. We can donate finances to local shelters or places that have connections to community outreach. We can donate things we don’t need. We can donate our time. We can provide resources to those in need. We can especially offer just compassion, kindness, love. Though the best thing we can give, is the message of God and His love and we can pray for them. I am so grateful that the man had knocked at the place of my family gathering. I am so grateful that we had food for him, and even more leftovers to send with him. We may not always be able to do everything to save them from homelessness, but we can offer what we can. May we show kindness towards those in need, for their life has just as much value as our own. May we show love, reminding those in need that they have value. May we remind them of God’s love. May we pray for them. For life doesn’t find its value in financial richness, but the richness of God’s love and His mercy and the compassion and love that we share with one another.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Love and compassion

1 John 3:17-18 NIV

 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? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Deuteronomy 15:11 NIV

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

Matthew 25:40 NIV

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’