"But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." Luke 14:13-14
This morning I met a man. His story may have been true. He carried a police report as proof that he had been in an accident. Now, he was forced to beg for bus money so he and his wife could make the three-hour trip home. The social worker in me immediately bubbled out, and I recommended he try to locate the local Traveler's Aid Society. But still, I gave him a ten dollar bill and told him I expected him to use it for its intended purpose. He thanked me and asked God's blessing over me. Then he did something that in hindsight makes me feel like I didn't do enough.
He asked my name.
Why didn't I ask him the same when he first approached me? Why didn't I stop on the spot and pray with him that the Lord would provide the rest of what he needed? Oh, I don't think I've stopped praying for him since we parted. But why couldn't I boldly share the love of Christ with my heart rather than my wallet? Was I paying him to simply go away? Or was I truly seeking to serve him as Jesus would?
Lord, You challenge us to serve those who cannot serve us in return - to give to those who could never pay us back. But is that enough? If I haven't shared the Truth, have I done any good?
Father, place Your hand on this nameless stranger and his wife. Send someone along who is more generous than I. Help them to know You because someone was bold enough to proclaim You. Forgive my insecurity. Make me a generous servant who is unafraid to give what really matters.