The least of these

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40


Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27

The Bible has a lot to say about our responsibility towards those who are struggling. For a start, just check out Deuteronomy 15:7-18, Leviticus 25:35-43, Psalm 41:1, Psalm 112:9, Prov 31:9, Jer 22:16, Matt 19:21 and Matt 25:34-45 (see also Matt 6:1-4 and 1 Cor 13:3).

Who are 'the least of these' in our world today? There are definitely still people who are sick, blind, in need, oppressed, homeless, orphaned, widowed and in distress.

God has given us a responsibility to help these people. We might not consider ourselves all that rich, but if you have money in your pocket right now, you are richer than 75% of the people on the planet. If you have money in the bank, you are wealthier than 94% of the people on the planet. That's a fairly big reality check, ain't it?

But what are we to do? As a student with no job or government benefits, how can I afford to do anything? Where there's a will, there's a way!

In my travels I have found some free, quick and simple ways to make a difference in someone's life, and ultimately in the world:
* Feed the world's hungry
* Provide health care for children
* Help underprivileged woman in America

Some other free ideas:
* Help kids to become literate
* Feed animals in shelters
* Save the rainforest
* Donate your old belongings to the Salvos or St. Vinnies

With a little organising...
* Celebrate Christmas or birthdays with Oxfam or Worldvision

For a small cost...
* Give a person the gift of sight
* Make a one-off donation to help rescue children or help in emergencies
* Give to missions through your local church

The best ideas of all:
* Give your time...
* Give your love...
* And pray for the people in need around us (who might not necessarily be 'poor')