The Hungry and the Thirsty

Hurricane Katrina, in its aftermath, has thrust upon us the greatest humanitarian crisis in modern times in America. Thousands of people from the Gulf Coast region, especially New Orleans, are looking for food, clothing, and shelter. The evacuation preceding Katrina’s wind and water left many with little time to pack personal belongings. Try to imagine having only a couple of day’s notice before leaving your home, knowing that you may not see it again. The evacuees from such a calamity are not only physically destitute, but also have to contend with severe mental and emotional stresses. There is much that can be done for those who have lost so much.

However, before some of the various deeds of love, mercy, and kindness can be proposed, there are some necessary biblical perspectives. One of these is an understanding of the role of good deeds in response to those in need. The apostle Paul said, “Let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal. 6:10). Christians are to make the invisible God visible through demonstrations of His love. The parable of the Good Samaritan should come to mind here. Who is my neighbor? It is anyone who has a need. So, the question is actually, am I a neighbor? Someone has said that, “Love is not measured by the intensity of its feelings, but by the sacrifice it stands ready to make.” As children of God we owe a debt of love to believer and unbeliever alike (Rom. 13:8).

Another fundamental understanding of the nature of good deeds is that they cannot merit God’s favor and acceptance. One verse that is frequently quoted when pondering the human condition is Matthew 25:40, which says, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” These words of Jesus have quite often been ripped from their context in order to advance a works-righteousness theology. The false idea is, to quote from a recent newspaper article, “The criteria for entrance into the heavenly kingdom, Jesus tells us, is whether or not we treated the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick and those in prison as if they were Christ Himself.” If by this is meant that we get into God’s heaven by our deeds of mercy, then that is a heresy. It is possible to give all of one’s possessions away to those in need, and die and spend eternity in hell (1 Cor. 13:3; Matt. 7:22, 23). But what was Jesus saying? Works serve as a “spiritual character-index.” Those who are born again will demonstrate this spiritual reality by their response to the physical needs of fellow believers. The failure to demonstrate tangible acts of kindness to those who are hurting is a symptom of unbelief.

How then should the church, Christ’s body on earth, respond to the victims of Hurricane Katrina? We should pray for all sufferers. Pray that relief will find its way to them and that much grace from God will come in the form of helping hands, loving deeds, and gospel witness. Give financially to a reputable charitable organization. Give generously to Christian ministries who are loyal to the Scriptures and have a proven record of mercy in the name of Christ. Give to your own church’s established disaster relief project. Look for churches within the area hardest hit by the storm. Let them be your eyes and ears in determining specific projects that will help people. Our church is communicating with two such churches in the New Orleans area in order to identify meaningful ways to assist God’s people. Visit local relief shelters in order to lend a helping hand. Thousands of people have made their way to the Atlanta area from the Gulf Coast region in need of hospitality, conversation, and encouragement. Volunteer to help the church staff in gathering information on needs that can be presented to the congregation. Think of some way in which you can use your own resources to alleviate the suffering of displaced people (an apartment, an automobile, food, a refrigerator, etc.). Keep up with the news regarding special needs that have arisen in the hurricane damaged area (the internet can guide you to many helpful links).

The above are only a few of the avenues open to those who want to show Christ’s mercy to suffering people. Be wise. Be careful. Be patient. Be active. But don’t not do anything while waiting on the “perfect” opportunity. There will probably be many things over a period of months our church can do to serve the thirsty, hungry, and homeless. “But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in Him?” (1 Jn. 3:17).

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church