God's Gentle Reminder: Compassion

As I was walking out of the Dollar Tree this evening (yes I shop there, judge me if you want to) I met this man who asked me if I knew the area. I replied "No, not really", which was a total lie since I live 3 miles away from the store. He looked like he was in need of money, and after speaking with him, I soon realized that it turned out to be the case. He said that he and his family, including 2 children, needed bus fare to get back to the nearby shelter they were staying at. The bus fare cost $1.60 per person. He needed my help.

I looked at the man and tried to determine whether he was telling the truth or not. He had all of the characteristics of your typical guy on the street--dirty clothes, unkept hair, bad teeth, etc. and there was no family to be seen. To be honest, I feared for my safety since it was becoming dark outside and there was nobody else around. 

But then I had a beautiful thought. What if this man really is telling the truth? The small cash donation that he is asking me for will not break my bank. I know that I'll have somewhere to sleep tonight and something to eat too. I also thought, "How much of Jesus Christ can I show this man through my actions?"

So I gave him the change in my pocket and a few dollars from my wallet. It wasn't much, but I could tell that it made all the difference in the world to him. 

It's times like these when I like to consider the blessings that God has given me. I don't deserve any of it, yet He still provides for me and He continues to be faithful despite all of my shortcomings and wrongdoings. BThere was a time in my life when I wouldn't even consider giving money to a person on the street, but thank God for compassion, love and forgiveness! He has changed my heart!

My prayer 

Dear Lord Jesus, I  pray that the man and his family are safe as they travel back to the shelter tonight. God, thank you for giving this man the strength and courage to ask me for money instead of the alternative. And thank you Jesus for softening my heart just enough to help this man and his family. 

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen.