“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he have faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food. And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (James 2:14-16).
In the process of using your spiritual gifts, you may be faced with decisions on how to best fill a need. We know our top priority is to witness and plant seeds. Ultimately, we want to see people saved. However, if a person is “naked and destitute of daily food,” most likely he or she won’t be too receptive to our witness. Sometimes we have to take care of secondary needs. In doing so, you are building a bridge. That bridge could very well be the basis for that person one day accepting Christ. As people see you stretch beyond mere words or handing them a gospel tract, they will want what you have in your heart.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that many groups would participate in the 2012 PreEaster Week of Prayer, April 2-6, and give generously and joyfully to the World Missions Offering, April 29.
