If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. James 4:17 NIV

I enjoy watching my grandchildren play. The 2 year old was on his riding toy and the battery died before he made it back to the house. The 4 year old started pushing him. Since they were going up hill on gravel, it was not an easy task. I was impressed at the effort the older brother was putting out to help without being asked.

If you stop and think about it, that was the right thing to do. When we see someone struggling, we should automatically help out. It doesn’t have to be physically pushing them up hill. Sometimes a kind word and a smile will help. Send a card of encouragement to someone or let someone know you are thinking of them

After a high school basketball game, we stopped to eat at a fast food place. A man came up to our table and asked for money. He was wearing a new baseball cap with the tag hanging from the visor. I was trying unsuccessfully not to be judgemental. My mother, not really known for being the kindest person in the room, reached for her purse, pulled out a five dollar bill and gave it to the man. I guess she saw the surprised look on my face because she said “I did what I was to do and it is on him.”

That has stuck with me over the years for several reasons. The main one being, she was right. It is not for us to judge and decide who needs what. We did not know that man’s story or why he was asking for money. What my mother did know, was that as a Christian, we are to serve others and give to others. If that man was just scamming people, then it was on him. He would have to answer to God for his actions, just as we have to answer to God for our actions.

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