Being Kind to Those in Need

On Saturday, it was a hot and sticky day We had to get out and buy groceries so we went to over to Walmart and stocked up for the next few weeks. As we were loading up the groceries, an elderly woman approached us and asked if she could have a ride to her home. It was at Jeff Davis Apts(which is an apt complex for those who live with medical and mental illnesses-mostly elderly). Quite frankly, at first, I was going to say no....not out of fear or trepidation, but because I had a lot to do at home and felt annoyed someone was interrupting my day. Before the words came out of my mouth(no!)the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said...."take this woman home". I battled for "seconds" over this and then decided to be obedient to that nudge. We loaded her few groceries in the car and she got in. I decided to be happy about this interruption because in the past, God has brought joy and excitement in entertaining "strangers". I changed my attitude and was ready for what HE was bringing to our family.

Ruth(not her real name) was a very pleasant woman and as we all chatted with her, she began to tell us about how one of the local Baptist churches(a small one)had ministered to her over the last few years(she did not know I worked for the Baptists here in Montgomery). She was so grateful to them for bringing her to Jesus and helping her along the way. She told us that she had a hard time getting around Montgomery because she could not drive. She never asked for anything from us except a ride.....we got to encourage her in her journey and love on her for a short time. She was discouraged and hot and tired when she got in. She was laughing and joyful when we dropped her off. It was that simple.

Helping others in need can be....well...annoying at times. We have our plans, we have our agenda and sometimes God interrupts that agenda for the day. He asks us to go beyond our comfort zone, he gives us discernment and He can show us the way. I don't often take people home but that day, that moment, I needed to. Not every moment is going to be taken up with giving rides or helping give services, but sometimes, even if you don't feel you are supposed to help that person in that moment, you can give a kind word or encourage them or pray with them. Simple acts of love can go a long way. Oh, and the family made a new friend and we will be praying for Ruth now as she muddles through this stressful life.

Proverbs 21:13 says this, "If you refuse to listen to the cry of the poor, your own cry for help will not be heard". GNT 

Let's take that seriously today!

Prayer point this week:
What will you do to be kind to the "poor" this week? Are you asking the Holy Spirit today to guide you and direct you to who needs you?