With the economy being what it is these days, it is harder for people to make ends meet, let alone show a lot of charity towards others. As a matter of fact, often when the economy is bad, people tend to look out for number one and are perhaps even tempted to cheat others in order to get ahead.
This is not how Christ treated others. We are told to love our neighbors as ourselves (Galatians 5:14). So, who is your neighbor? Is your neighbor limited to the sweet older lady that lives next door, the newlyweds two doors down, or the couple that just had a new baby across the street? No! In Galatians 6:10, we are told to do good to all people as we have opportunity.
So, like the good Samaritan in Luke 10:33, we should have compassion for those in need because they are our neighbors. This means that as situations arise where you can be of help to others, you should try to help in what ever capacity possible.
This may not always be done through monetary means. There are lots of opportunities in which you can help your neighbors that do not cost you a penny. The instructions in Galatians 6:9 are given to individuals, so we cannot simply set back and wait for the church to care for the needy. Likewise, we cannot pass by on the other side like the priest and the Levite, waiting for someone else to step in and help. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Therefore, remember to sow bountifully! Seize every opportunity, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Kyle Campbell
