Thanks Brad.
I think the verses below sum it up for me. Like everyone else, my eyes were often blind to those in need. But, as the Bible describes, He can write His commandments, precepts, and laws on hour hearts, when we believe in Him and have faith. Once that is done, your heart won't let you turn away from someone in need. And it will grow until it is ripe and you will give - placing giving above your own wants. And while you are giving, to glorify Christ, you will never lack the things you need, and God's true blessings will rain on you.
An accountant is useless in adding up Christ's blessings, they aren't dollars - they are peace, contentment, love, joy, safety, hope, and simply being thrilled.
It doesn't have to be grand or extravagant. A lady who comes to our church is homeless, but leaves some change in the plate every Sunday. I gave her a ride to the shelter and on the way stopped to go in the grocery store. I asked her if I could get anything for her (she never asked for anything) and she said she would like some cookies. I said what kind and she replied Oreos. I felt wonderful that day when I hot home and a few dollars made her happy.
I could have a lot more guns, but I wouldn't be nearly as content, at peace, or just plain happy. Try opening your heart to helping others without judgement and I'll bet you will be so thrilled tears of happiness run from your eyes.
Now, here's those Bible verses: Matthew 25:31-40
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “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. 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.’
