Kelly01
Member
One day out shopping ~
A few weeks back at my neighborhood clothing store, I noticed a homeless man sitting on the concrete. So, I engaged in conversation with him before shopping. His life story was very touching, whereas he struggled with Alcoholism and lost his family.
After I gave him a soda and a few dollars, I started to do a little thinking. Some of us may get a little aggravated when our favorite restaurant forgets to put extra pickles on our burger. Or when our neighborhood post office delivers a package too late... it may be a big deal for some of us as well. All those "not too important" things seem to clutter some of our minds from time to time. In reality, they are the SMALLEST of troubles, and actually they are "not a big deal" at all.
Then I thought a little more . When I don't have enough pickles, he may be wondering where his next meal will come from. When I am sweating the arrival of my package, he may be sweating if there is a warm cot left at the local shelter or mission. When I am worried about a clothing size, he is worried about having a warm coat for a cold winter night.
I saw so many people go by this man; giving him hateful looks and voicing "not so nice" remarks. I could of looked at this person in a bad way too, but I chose to see him as a person of Christ and do some deep thinking. The homeless speak greatly to my heart, and I know they speak to many of you as well.
The homeless are greatly judged by some people Fact is, till we walk in a homeless strangers shoes we do not know their entire story. There may be a lot more going on than what appears on the surface.
There may be a mental illness and they cannot find work or keep a job because of mental health issues. Moreover, they may of lost so much in life that now they have given up. Yes, a lot are addicted to alcohol or substances too. But they are still human beings in need of compassion and love. They may be unable to get proper help or counsel. We just do not know at one glance.
Whatever their case may be; we are to look at them as a person of Christ; Gods son or daughter....His child. I saw a lot of people not being very nice to the homeless gentleman. We are to love ALL our fellow brothers and sisters, reaching out as Christ did to those in need. If we do not possess anything to give, be compassionate towards them. Speak a kind word or give a simple smile; it may be the hope that gives them the drive they need to persevere. It can be hard to get up when harsh words and hateful stares are knocking someone down constantly.
Just a few thoughts ~ Kelly
Matthew 25:35-40
New International Version (NIV)
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,36 I needed clothes and you clothed me,I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
A few weeks back at my neighborhood clothing store, I noticed a homeless man sitting on the concrete. So, I engaged in conversation with him before shopping. His life story was very touching, whereas he struggled with Alcoholism and lost his family.
After I gave him a soda and a few dollars, I started to do a little thinking. Some of us may get a little aggravated when our favorite restaurant forgets to put extra pickles on our burger. Or when our neighborhood post office delivers a package too late... it may be a big deal for some of us as well. All those "not too important" things seem to clutter some of our minds from time to time. In reality, they are the SMALLEST of troubles, and actually they are "not a big deal" at all.
Then I thought a little more . When I don't have enough pickles, he may be wondering where his next meal will come from. When I am sweating the arrival of my package, he may be sweating if there is a warm cot left at the local shelter or mission. When I am worried about a clothing size, he is worried about having a warm coat for a cold winter night.
I saw so many people go by this man; giving him hateful looks and voicing "not so nice" remarks. I could of looked at this person in a bad way too, but I chose to see him as a person of Christ and do some deep thinking. The homeless speak greatly to my heart, and I know they speak to many of you as well.
The homeless are greatly judged by some people Fact is, till we walk in a homeless strangers shoes we do not know their entire story. There may be a lot more going on than what appears on the surface.
There may be a mental illness and they cannot find work or keep a job because of mental health issues. Moreover, they may of lost so much in life that now they have given up. Yes, a lot are addicted to alcohol or substances too. But they are still human beings in need of compassion and love. They may be unable to get proper help or counsel. We just do not know at one glance.
Whatever their case may be; we are to look at them as a person of Christ; Gods son or daughter....His child. I saw a lot of people not being very nice to the homeless gentleman. We are to love ALL our fellow brothers and sisters, reaching out as Christ did to those in need. If we do not possess anything to give, be compassionate towards them. Speak a kind word or give a simple smile; it may be the hope that gives them the drive they need to persevere. It can be hard to get up when harsh words and hateful stares are knocking someone down constantly.
Just a few thoughts ~ Kelly
Matthew 25:35-40
New International Version (NIV)
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,36 I needed clothes and you clothed me,I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
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