Become a Defender of the Weak

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I certainly hope all of us in the world could relate to one thing. I would like to believe that within each human a span of heartfelt emotions would rise up when we see or interact with those who are in dire straits and great need. Privileged nations such as the United States have in many ways become blinded by a middle class that groans for more yet lives like royalty as you survey the entire planet. Each person has been created in the image of their creator, however was given no choice in the time, place or socio-economic status they were born into.

When was the last time that you made a real sacrifice to profoundly reach out to someone’s heart that didn’t expect it, yet desperately needed it?

I don’t mean simply dropping a few dollars into an offering plate or donation location that was easily parted with and done out of moral dignity or spiritual obedience alone. Many times giving of money when done from a pure heart is a beautiful thing. However giving of your time, giving from your heart through love, giving of your unique abilities and spiritual gifts or giving of your time or any resource when it challenges you and takes you out of your comfort zone is simply full of much more splendor and majesty.

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God says in his word, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless I this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27). You don’t need to need be a military soldier defending a nation to show similar courage in the name of worldly justice and more importantly love. There are modern, day-to-day heros waiting to cry out from the hearts of business men in Armani suits, the mothers that worked their way to a position of worldly success, the single professionals full of dreams/desires and so many others that hide righteous passion that could shine outward beyond a body clothed for appearance and worldly comfort.

There are so many ways to help those in need. We can step out in faith to journey on short or long-term mission trips to serve people we would never meet. I can say trading the ability to earn income and maintain our lives of security would be far outweighed by how much would penetrate our hearts and those we meet through those experiences bound by love and sacrifice. You certainly don’t need to travel the world to help those in need! There is a war to fight in the name of love in every community’s backyard. If you stop for a moment to see what you could give to fill a need that exists I promise you will not search for very long.

You could sponsor a child from various organizations that do a phenomenal job such as: World Vision, Compassion, and Child Fund (formerly Christian Children’s Fund). The small sacrifice in money each month dramatically changes lives in need. I can personally attest to that fact through the children I sponsor in Brazil. Most could give up luxury purchases or non-essential items such as premium cable channels or other forms of entertainment to afford this. It is an amazing gift to build a relationship with the children beyond the monetary help, and is easily done through sending letters of encouragement and hope or even being blessed with replacing your family vacation with a visit to their land. I was blessed to visit their communities and see the organization mobilize to impact their lives. Your children could have that brother or sister that they don’t have at home as they act as the family messenger of love through the letters or gifts. The business owners could sponsor children for each department or team member and allow them to write to them on company time making a deposit in their hearts that will pay far greater dividends than any bonus check in their bank ever could.

To all who have read this article I certainly hope you see that each of us could make a new impact in the world starting today. I pray that you would ask God to search your heart as you search your own and ask him to light a lantern of love from your heart to guide your future steps in a path that helps you find a new life purpose to become a defender of the weak


* James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

* Romans 15:1

“ We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”


God bless,

Joe

* feel free to contact me personally with any questions or comments.