1 John 3:16 By this we come to know (progressively to recognize, to perceive, to understand) the [essential] love: that He laid down His [own] life for us; and we ought to lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [in Him].
1 John 3:17 But if anyone has this world's goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother {and} fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live {and} remain in him?
1 John 3:18 Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory {or} in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity). In most cases today? What does love have to do with your designated restrictions in giving?
Do you see the words "in truth" there? There is very little truth now in many areas of "reaching out" to meet needs. If you are on a list at one place and you need food, you can not go for another month because your name gets forwarded on to the other places of charity if you get any food. Being a Christian I have gone to church pantrys and asked for food or toiletries and was asked to qualify my need when my need is why I was qualified. Many close their hearts or designate where to send you if you need help. The one expression I always hated was: "There ought to be more help for people like you.?" They will wave at me or say hello but they have no clue about people "like me." The church I was a member in for years used to reach out, and had food for people but then decided to just once a year write out a check to Salvation Army. We are missing the compassion that feels the pain of others. As I was dishing out food to the homeless one winter day, I saw a old woman with no socks and her jaw was swollen. Her feet were blue and I wanted to give her much more than food; I hurt for her and wanted to give her whatever I could. If anyone has this world's goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother {and} fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live {and} remain in him?
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Carolyn