“She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.” Proverbs 31:20 NLT

Moved With CompassionMost of us are familiar with the story of Dorcas as recorded in the Book of Acts. We do not know anything about her early life, or how old she was. What we do know is that she was very active in helping others in her church and city. She may not have had a lot of money, but she was able to sew and thus provide clothing for those in need. She was so well respected by those she ministered to that when she passed away, they were not willing to lose her and sought God to restore her. We know how God raised her from the dead and gave her more years to continue her good work.

There are so many needs in our world today and as daughters of the Lord, we all should find a way to reach out to others who are not as well off as we are. Recently, a lady from another country moved into the apartment across the hall from me. I learned that she had fled her country because she had turned from her religion and became a Christian. She was seeking refugee status because she knew that death awaited her if she returned to her country. I don’t have a lot to give but have tried to help her in any way that I could. When I am going for groceries, I often take her with me as she has no car. Most of all I am praying for her and trying to be her friend. This week she found out she had been approved as a refugee, so now she can look for a job. God is opening doors for her. My responsibility is to be her friend.

When I look back over my life, I remember lots of times when people helped me, and now that I can help others, I try to take advantage of every opportunity.

When we are shopping for groceries, and canned goods or other non-perishable items are on sale, it is easy to buy a couple of extra and put them in a bag for the local food bank. It may not seem like a lot, but if everyone did this, it would make a big difference. There are people who depend on these food banks every month in order to feed their families.

Want to be like the lady in Proverbs? Look around your community, even in your church, and I am sure you will find a way to show hospitality to others.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have given us so much. We are truly blessed. Open our eyes so that we can see others in need and help us to be a blessing to them.

Devotion by Anne Johnston

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