Crazy homeless men and psycho street kids, what are you missing out on?

If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, 
 he too will cry out and not be answered.
Proverbs 21:13

Do you feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and visit people in prison?  I am referring to the physical act of getting your hands dirty and building relationships with these people face to face.  Giving money to charities and churches is important but you may be missing the point.

I have always appreciated the practice of helping those in need and have given financially to different organisations in support of this idea.  But it is only in recent years that I have come to understand the true power of actually getting out there and doing something practically myself.  I think that as a society we like to be seen to be generous but often retreat from coming face to face with the hurt, suffering and poverty that people around us are facing.

It can be inconvenient to your lifestyle to build relationships with people in need, but when you see them through the eyes of God and start to love them, they bring a change for the better into your own life.  Hugs from psycho full of beans street kids, is something you will never experience whilst sitting in the comfort of your home. 

Stop making excuses about being busy with stuff and go help someone in need.  You may find that when you are struggling, it is the inspiration and joy from these people that helps carry you through.