True help to those in need - 4 November 2024

The world of social media has opened up new dimensions of charity. There are a lot of influencers on channels like TikTok and Instagram giving away piles of cash to random people on the street. It looks so impressive, until you realise that it is mostly scripted encounters, with fake money and paid actors participating. The motivation of these apparent deeds of charity is to draw millions of views, thus generating a huge income stream. Other influencers will do genuine deeds of helping people, but only when the cameras are present and rolling, to make the world aware of the goodness of the influencer. This was not what Jesus had in mind when he gave us the command to love our neighbour in the way he loves them. (Read John 13:34 for an example.)

The attitude of our heart when we help people is important to Jesus. When we help others just to be seen and praised by others, we are hypocritical. It humiliates the receiver of our help. It is a selfish deed, only aimed at building our own image.

The way to help people in need that pleases God does not happen from stages or in front of cameras. It happens when a disciple of God becomes aware of the need of their fellow man, when a hand of love is reached out with what is needed in it, without the rest of the world needing to know about it. The Holy Spirit makes us sensitive to the needs of others. He shows us opportunities where we can make a difference in the life of another, without expecting any reward in return. Because we are filled with the love of Christ, we want to be his hands and feet in this world. We help wherever we can make a difference. We do this with a heart filled with compassion, like Christ. We do it in a way that respects the dignity of the person receiving the help.

Jesus says that sincere deeds of compassion will not go unseen by God. Our Father in heaven sees all and he rewards our faithfulness. In God’s kingdom, there is the law of reciprocity or equality. I help when I am in the position to do so and when I am in need, someone else will rise to help me. (See 2 Corinthians 8:13-14.)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your care and blessings in my life. Thank you that I am in a position to help others less fortunate than me. Fill my heart with your love, that I will always be willing to help those in need with a grateful heart. Thank you that you will also provide for me when I need help. Amen