The front doorbell went. I got up slowly from my desk. Our front door has glass, and I could see who was waiting at the gate. I noticed it was a stranger and quickly moved to the right so the person couldn’t see me.

Most probably, it was somebody begging again.

I waited a while and then slowly peeked around the corner, just in time to see the person turning around and walking away. Then, satisfied that I had avoided the person, I returned to the study.

But then my conscience started bothering me. It didn’t help much that I wondered what Jesus would have done. Finally, I realised that I would have to make a plan. I cannot just avoid my responsibility towards people in need, although this is what most of us do.

And then, when I sit down for my daily devotional, I become even more ashamed. This scripture is quite invasive, and I challenge you to let it work on you too:

¹⁵For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, 16“Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you?

We often do this. We see people in need and then quickly get away so that we’re not seen and confronted with whether we will help.

Other times we’re too late, and before we know it, we’re caught in the trap and must listen to the sob story. And as they tell their story, we already think of an excuse.

The neighbourhood watch tells us not to give food because it risks the neighbourhood’s security. And occasionally, they post about the food people give, which gets dumped under a bush.

Sometimes we listen to the whole story and then wish them well, hoping that someone will help them, and then we softly close the door, turn our backs and walk away.

This is a difficult one. I know the neighbourhood watch has a point, but where does my responsibility end, or where does it start? There are many things we can do.

I heard about the shop on the corner that sells vouchers for a plate of food. I will go and buy some of them today. Never will I make a quick getaway again.

Scripture
James 2:14-26

Reflection
Where is the need around you?
Are you doing something about it?
What can you do?

Prayer
Father, I don’t know why I struggle to be Your hands and feet everywhere. Please help me to be willing to see the need of others. Please help me do something about it. Please help me not to turn away. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.