Jesus teaches us through the parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) about being aware of the needs of others and caring for them. This lesson has much to say about how our actions here on earth determine our eternal situation. While we know we can’t work our way into Heaven by our own acts, neither can we ignore God and the way He calls us to live and expect a relationship later.
The story tells us that the rich man took no action to help the beggar at his front door. It is unlikely that he was unaware of him, he had to pass him every day, yet he apparently did nothing to help alleviate his suffering. God knows our gifts because He has provided them for us, and expects us to use them appropriately for His glory and the good of His children. When we selfishly withhold our help for others, God sees and is sad at our inaction.
We must listen for the call God places on our lives and obey, using the resources we have been given to share His love with all the world. God expects us to be good stewards of His blessings, using them wisely but without judging other’s situations. We are made to love God and one another individually and personally, and we must each reach out to our brothers and sisters as God reaches out to us.
Loving Lord, help us to see those in need right where we are. Make us bold to go to them, bringing the light of Your love and the Good News to all. Amen.