1 John 3:17 – “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
What would our world look like if compassion became our default posture?
How different would our communities, churches, and homes be if we consistently noticed (and responded to) the pain around us?
These are not abstract questions. They touch everyday life. All around us are people who are hurting, overlooked, and struggling to survive, not only materially but emotionally and spiritually as well. Scripture invites us to see them, love them, and respond not out of obligation, but out of a transformed heart.
UNDERSTANDING POVERTY BEYOND THE SURFACE
When we think of poverty, we often picture a lack of money, food, or shelter. And indeed, many people live with real material needs. Some are born into cycles of hardship, others encounter sudden loss through illness, disability, unemployment, or unexpected tragedy. These realities are painful and deeply human.
Yet poverty is not only economic. Jesus spoke of those who are “poor in spirit”: people who feel empty, broken, unseen, or hopeless. These individuals may appear outwardly successful, yet inwardly carry heavy burdens of loneliness, shame, or despair.
To honor the poor is to recognise both realities. It is to care for the hungry body and the weary soul. Compassion that reflects the heart of Jesus never draws lines between “deserving” and “undeserving.” Love responds to need.
A LIFE SHAPED BY GENEROSITY
A generous life is not measured merely by what we give, but by how open our hearts are. When we live attentively to others, generosity becomes a way of being, not a momentary act.
Jesus repeatedly highlighted this truth. He described love that feeds the hungry, clothes the vulnerable, welcomes the stranger, and visits the sick or forgotten. He went even further, saying that when we do these things for others, we are, in fact, doing them for Him.
This perspective changes everything. Acts of kindness are no longer small or insignificant. A meal shared, a visit made, a helping hand offered—each becomes sacred. Love offered to another is received by Christ Himself.
SERVING WHILE WE WAIT
We long for a world without hunger, injustice, or suffering. One day, Jesus will fully and finally restore all things. Every wrong will be made right. Until that day, we live in the space between promise and fulfilment.
In this waiting, we are not passive. We are invited into active love. We become carriers of hope, signposts of the coming kingdom, reflections of God’s heart in a broken world.
Ending all poverty may feel impossible, and it is beyond any single person’s ability. But this does not excuse inaction. As the saying goes, no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. A willing heart, surrendered to God, can make an eternal difference.
LOVE AS EVIDENCE OF FAITH
The apostle John speaks plainly and powerfully:
“If someone has enough to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion, how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)
These words are not meant to condemn but to awaken us. Love is not merely something we speak about; it is something we live out. Genuine faith expresses itself through compassion. When God’s love truly takes root in us, it naturally flows outward toward others.
Serving those in need is not about earning God’s favour. It is the fruit of knowing Him. When we love God, we begin to love what He loves: people.
SERVING GOD BY SERVING PEOPLE
Every act of kindness offered in love matters. When we serve others with humility and compassion, we are serving God Himself. He sees. He knows. And He delights in hearts that reflect His own.
The invitation is simple yet profound: live open-handed, open-hearted, and attentive to the needs around you. Let love move from intention to action. In doing so, we honour the poor, bless the hurting, and reveal the living presence of Christ in the world.
Amen.
SIX KEY TAKEAWAY POINTS
Poverty is not only material but also spiritual and emotional:
Honouring the poor means caring for the whole person.
Generosity flows from a transformed heart, not obligation:
Love responds naturally when we reflect the heart of Christ.
Every act of compassion, no matter how small, is sacred:
When we serve others, we are serving Jesus Himself.
We live between a broken world and a promised restoration:
Until all things are made new, we are called to active love.
Faith is revealed through compassionate action:
God’s love within us is proven by love lived out through us.
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something:
A willing heart can become a powerful vessel of hope.
