10 Practical Ways To Help The Poor And Aid Those In Need & Why We Should Even Care

Last updated on: May 13, 2016 at 11:20 am by Frank Viola

10 Practical Ways To Help The Poor And Aid Those In Need & Why We Should Even Care 2016-05-13T11:20:33-04:00 Frank Viola

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The following is a guest post written by Daniel Passini.

Enjoy!

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Giving is one of the hallmark signatures of any follower of Jesus. Well, at least it should be. Too many times though we wait for a program, an organization, or a drive of some sort to move into action. Why not get to work on our own? Why not be proactive in your own ability?

It’s not the job of the government to take care of those in need. The body of Christ was originally “commissioned” with this task. Jesus instructs us take care of “the least of these” because in reality we are doing it unto Him. To help you with that, here are 10 practical ways to help the poor and aid those in need.

Give Money – The simplest action you can do is give money.

Make a $5 bag of goods – My wife and I make these bags to give out when we go into the city. I’ve written on this before with what we put in them. (Find that list HERE) It’s an easy way to provide for a need if you are uncomfortable with giving money.

Volunteer your time – Volunteer your time at food bank or a shelter. Spend time with those coming in, interact with them, and build relationships with them.

Buy or make food to hand out – Why wait to go to a food bank or shelter. You can make a pan of food and separate it into meals and hand it out.

Use your skills – Not every person who is poor or in need is without a home. Use your skills and abilities to help make repairs to homes of those unable to do so, such as widows, the disabled, or the elderly.

Have lunch with a homeless person – Sometimes just sitting down to have lunch with a man under a bridge can change their entire world. Pack a couple sack lunches and head out to have lunch with a homeless person.

Teach a trade or skill – Many times poverty comes because of a lack of skill or ability. Take the time to teach someone or multiple people a skill that they can use to gain employment. This goes back to the old, “give a fish, teach a man to fish” saying.

Give them a job – Own your own business? One of the best things you can do is give them employment. This provides them with work, while also providing them an income to build a future. Getting employment can be difficult if they lack cleanliness, skills, or have a criminal history. Show them grace by providing them employment, even if it is temporary or involves a probation period.

Teach them financial management skills – Many times the poor lack proper financial management skills. Help them build a better future by teaching them how to properly handle money.

Fresh clothes – It feels great to put on a new shirt when you are dirty. Go through your closet and find some clothes you rarely wear that are in good shape and hand them out to those in need.

Now that you know practical ways you can give, here are 3 things to remember.

Do it with the intent to never be repaid
Don’t judge how they spend it.
You can’t force someone to make a right decision.

Remember the blessing is in the obedience of giving. We are called to sow seed, not to determine how the seed grows, or what fruit it bears. I hope you will take these 10 practical ways to help the poor and needy and begin making a difference in your community.

ABOUT DANIEL PASSINI

Daniel resides with his wife and 2 dogs in Texas. His mission is to equip believers to go deeper in their walk with the Lord, and build thriving marriages so they can leave a lasting impact on their world. If you liked this article and would like to read more by Daniel, you can connect with him at danielpassini.org.

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