Why care?

Christmas (yes, we are still in the Christmas season) is a time of giving. We drop coins into bell ringers buckets and participate in special offerings for those in need. We should do this all year round. But we especially show compassion at Christmastime. But why care? We care because God does. Consider a verse from the psalm we looked at last Sunday:

“For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.” (Psalms 138:6)

We regard the lowly because God regards the lowly! And we should love the lowly the way God does, both in body and in soul! Some people give only to meet the physical needs of the lowly. Others say we should only be concerned with their souls. But we must do both!

The great pastor/theologian Jonathan Edwards has some wise words for us on this subject:

“Some men shew a love to others as to their outward man, they are liberal of their worldly substance, and often give to the poor; but have no love to, or concern for the souls of men. Others pretend a great love to men’s souls, that are not compassionate and charitable towards their bodies. The making a great shew of love, pity and distress for souls, cost them nothing; but in order to shew mercy to men’s bodies, they must part with money out of their pockets. But a true Christian love to our brethren extends both to their bodies and souls”

Let us then, love people well - as Christ loves them, body and soul!

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom