Making Life Better For The Less Fortunate People In The World

A lot of people want to help the needy, but they don't know what to do. They think they have to spend a lot of time and energy — something everybody seems to be short on these days.

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 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, 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.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:34-40

This is about the people classified as sheep and goat separated from each other when the Son of Man comes in His Glory. I am not going into a debate on who are the less fortunate – the goat or the sheep - mentioned in the Bible. Who do you think are the less fortunate, let’s leave it that way. The less fortunate could be anyone or someone in your neighborhood. Let’s focus on how to make their life better.

Why help the poor?

Because they are fellow human beings, flesh and blood people like us. We cannot turn a blind eye. We must accept that we are our brother's keeper. When Jesus said that the poor will always be with you indicates that those who have plenty will always have an opportunity for generosity in helping those living in poverty.

Here are some ways to help them

• Educate yourself on poverty and homelessness. This will help you understand the many complex aspects as well as enable you to educate others. Reflect on your attitude and behavior towards poor and homeless people in your community. It can really brighten someone's day when they are acknowledged on the street. This can also mean making an informed comment when people make stereotypical comments about homeless people or noting that homelessness is more than just people sleeping on the streets.
  

• Stop seeing them as problems to be solved, but individuals to be loved. Sometimes this is the one and only thing that makes a real difference.
  

• Stop saying "victim" and help them discover their talents.
  

• Help restore the utilities of the less privileged.
  

• Encourage business people to hire the less privileged.
  

• Join/Volunteer in activities that would benefit them. Share your time and skills with them. Anyone can volunteer. You don't have to be a professional social worker, or teacher, but you have to have a heart that is open and willing to help.
  

• If you have resources, then you can help them the old fashion way – GIVE.