Guest post by Nancy Lewis-Shelton
“How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” 1 John 3:17-18 (NRSV)
One day I noticed a young girl standing at an intersection. Her beautiful, long blond hair blew in the wind. Beside her, a grocery cart overflowed with clothing and boxes. The driver in front of me stopped to hand her money while the one in the car behind honked and yelled a profanity out his window. In spite of that, I paused to give the girl a small paper bag, Her face lit up her face showing appreciation of my recognition of her as one of God’s children. What was in the bag? A few nutritious snacks, a bottle of water, a list of contacts for agencies that might assist her, and a five-dollar bill.
That evening I thought about others I have encountered during my life. I recalled a mother from years before. She, her significant other, and her son lived in a homeless facility, and the boy attended my school. He was a scary kid who threatened others on the playground. One day his mother appeared at my office door. We chatted for a few minutes, and then I said, “I am concerned about (your child). Tell me about his father.” She did, ending her comments with this statement, “He gets mad, but after he broke my jaw, he got counseling,” The family soon moved away. I often wonder what happened to the woman and her children. She was uneducated and probably had few choices other than to remain with a violent husband. I listened to her frustrations but offered little additional assistance. What else could I have done?
Sometimes people criticize the homeless and the welfare recipients in my city, stating there are plenty of jobs available. Others comment that “those people” will buy drugs if you give them money. The Bible tells me not to judge others, to help those in need, and to have compassion for each person’s challenges. However, the old adage, “Put yourself in their shoes,” is not as always as easy as it sounds. Understanding another person’s actions and opinions can be difficult. Anytime we make statements that blame someone for their past or label people, we are not following Jesus’ example. “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7). When I make an effort to walk in the shoes of the needy, I also walk in the shoes of Jesus who had compassion for all, no matter their appearance and circumstance.
At times, it seems difficult to understand and love those whom others consider unlovable, but God will give me the courage to do so. I know he will help me become more aware of what I can do for others instead of thinking about what I can’t do.
Nancy Lewis-Shelton retired from public education after years as a classroom teacher and school counselor. Published work includes devotionals and fiction/non-fiction short stories for adults and children. Recent publications include two fiction novellas about Cookie, a pet sitter. Volunteer activities include church senior choir, elementary school Reading Buddy (Council of Churches), and a local oral storytelling group. When she’s not writing or volunteering, you might find her digging in the garden, playing bridge, reading, enjoying events with her daughter’s family, or participating in activities with her pet therapy dog, Robin.