Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Traveling, Broke, Hungry" for Monday, 1 September 2014 - Read Luke 6:31-38

Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Traveling, Broke, Hungry" for Monday, 1 September 2014 - Read Luke 6:31-34 “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
35-36 “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
37-38 “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
The righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?”(Matthew 25:37 (NIV))
One hot summer day, as we waited in line at a red light, we saw a young man up ahead, holding a sign that read, “TRAVELING, BROKE, HUNGRY.” We did not stop to help him. As we drove past, we debated whether or not we should go back. We decided to buy him some food and a soft drink. I returned to the intersection with a bag of food and a few dollars to give to him. As I approached, I could see the tattoo emblazoned across the young man’s face. I imagined how this might make some people hesitant to help him. Yet, we were glad that we had stopped to help.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus tells us to help others we meet on the highway of life, to put our faith into action. He encourages us to give and not look for anything in return, to love our neighbors as ourselves. Showing compassion for those less fortunate than ourselves is one way we reflect the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives.
The Author: James C. Seymour, Jr. (New York)
Thought for the Day: Acting on my faith means that I will not pass by someone in need.
Prayer: Helping Father, help us to show gratitude for all that you’ve given to us by helping those in need. Amen.
Prayer focus: Travelers
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