But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? – 1 John 3:17 

It is remarkably easy to confuse compassion with consumption. In our digital age, we "consume" the needs of others through news feeds and social media stories. We feel a momentary pang of sadness, perhaps even whisper a quick prayer, and then continue scrolling.

But 1 John 3:17 challenges us to move beyond the internal feeling of pity to the external reality of provision. The apostle John isn't interested in how much we feel for our brothers and sisters; he’s interested in how we fill the void in their lives with the resources God has entrusted to us.

John poses us this question: How can the love of God be in that person? He is teaching us that God’s love isn’t a stagnant pool; it’s a river. If the flow stops with us—if we see a need, have the means to meet it, yet close our hearts—we aren’t just being "frugal." We are experiencing a spiritual blockage. Authentic faith is validated by our willingness to open our hands when our eyes see a need.

Living as a believer means recognizing that it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. If Christ is living in you, He wants to use your hands to feed, your resources to provide, and your voice to comfort.

Don't just pray for a need this week; be the answer to one. Whether it’s buying a meal for someone, or donating items to a local shelter, take one tangible action that shows God’s love is active and alive within you.

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to see the needs around me and soften my heart so that I do not turn away. Help me to manage my resources not as an owner, but as a steward of Your grace. Let my love be known by my actions today. Amen.