Try Putting Yourself in Their Shoes
Are we listening for the cries of the needy?
Psalm 22:24 NLT For he has not ignored the suffering of the needy. He has not turned and walked away. He has listened to their cries for help.
Before you judge someone based on their need, put yourself in their shoes. Years ago there was a TV show called Dragnet, a detective show. When the two detectives went to a crime scene, they would only want "just the facts.” When God speaks a word to help, he is not like this TV show, He is like a Father, take care of the need and ask questions later. Many times He will not give you the facts, for this would cloud your heart whether the person really is in need or not.
If you were in need right now and needed someone to help, how would you feel if they ask you to fill out a questionnaire to see if you were fit for help? I know in our systems in church or business we desire to have everything done in excellence. However, can I ask you, when was the last time you really did something for someone not expecting one thing back from it? On the other hand, what about a time when you saw a need and did something about it because of true compassion?
Matthew 7:1-2 NKJV Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
Somehow, in the art of learning, growing, and finding our destiny along the way it seems we have lost the real meaning of loving and serving Jesus. Matthew 18:27 KJV Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
Nowhere in the scriptures do I ever see Jesus ask someone in need how did you end up here? How much money did you make, or even did someone just help you? No, when Jesus met people he loved them, served them, met their needs, and then informed them on how to live a life pleasing to the Father. He always took care of their natural need to bring them to a place of higher living for His glory. Put yourself in their shoes.
The Word of God says if you have the power to help someone in need "Just Do It!”
My heart is not to see and know the need, but do nothing; it is to serve God, serve others, and let God deal with the real issues of their lives. The Word of God says it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. How will anyone ever know the goodness of God if you and I don't serve, love and take care of those not capable of doing it for themselves? If it is within your sphere of influence to help, when God instructs, it is not your place to judge, it is your place to serve. God will take care of the rest.
Put yourself in their shoes. In your time of need, how have you been treated? How do you want to be treated? God is a lover of souls, and He takes care of each one. What is God asking you to do today to help someone in need? Truly expecting nothing in return, but serving from a heart of gratitude. God will not ask you to do more than you can, but He may want to stretch you to the next level. Put yourself in their shoes!
1 John 3:17 NIV If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?