Last week I had the opportunity to play in a golf tournament that benefited The Baddour Center.  It is a place in Senatobia that exists to help those with intellectual disabilities.  The participants of the center are loving and kind, and many of them are talented beyond expectation.  I still remember (as a teenager) being introduced to the center and its amazing choir and instrumentalists.  And I was so happy to be part of the fundraiser.

However, on the ride home I began to think (dangerous, I know).  Why do so many do so little to actually help others?

As a teenager, I still remember seeing Sally Struthers’s commercials trying to get us to “Save the Children” through the Christian Children’s Fund.  They ran her commercials a lot, and the images of starving children were heart wrenching.  Most people ignored them by changing the channel or leaving the room.  Why?

Why do we hear about a need and only shake our heads in pity?

Why do we make excuses for not helping?

Why do we not help?

If you or one you love was in need, you would do anything you could to get the needed help.  We all would.  We could be that helper for others.

The Bible is clear that God loves those in need.  He is called “a father of the fatherless” and “a defender of widows” (Psalm 68:5).  He offers “righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed” (Psalm 103:6).  Jesus said to “give to the one who asks” (Matthew 5:42) and that not helping those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, needy, sick, or in prison was the same as not helping Him (Matthew 25:44-45).  Those are only a few examples.

The Bible does not add to any of those instructions or descriptions that we do not have to help if we do not feel like it, but is that not what we do?  We may say that they got what they deserved or that they will use our aid for nefarious things, and that may be correct.  However, that does not mean that we should not try to actually help them.

Imagine a land where everyone wanted the best for others.  Imagine a land where everyone helped those needing help.  Imagine a land where everyone followed God’s heart.  Imagine being a part of creating that land.

I challenge you to be the difference.  Let us stop saying, “bless their heart,” and start blessing their hearts.

You can get some more ideas on how to do it through the following resource…