Introduction

In our previous message, we explored the Final Judgment in Matthew 25:31-46 through the lens of necessary and sufficient conditions. We established that faith in Christ is necessary for salvation, and that good works serve as the evidence of true faith. However, one critical question remains: How often should we care for the poor and needy?

Many Christians engage in charitable giving only on special occasions—Christmas, birthdays, or anniversaries. While these acts are commendable, they fall short of Christ’s command to “love our neighbor as ourselves” (Mark 12:31). True Christian charity must be as frequent and consistent as our own personal care for ourselves.

1. The Biblical Mandate for Continuous Care

Jesus makes it clear that caring for the poor and needy is not optional. It is a defining characteristic of true discipleship.

- Matthew 25:40 – “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

- Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”

- James 2:15-16 – “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

These scriptures emphasize that our help should not be occasional but CONTINUOUS. The need of the poor does not disappear after Christmas, and hunger does not take a break until someone’s next birthday. If we feed ourselves daily, we must consider the hungry daily.

2. Loving Our Neighbor as Ourselves: A Practical Challenge

Jesus commands us to “love our neighbor as ourselves” (Mark 12:31). What does this mean in practical terms?

- We feed ourselves daily—should we not ensure that others eat daily too?

- We clothe ourselves when we need to— should we not provide clothing for those who lack?

- We take care of our health—should we not help those who are sick?

To love others as we love ourselves means we must care for the needy with the same urgency and frequency with which we meet our own needs.

3. The Danger of Occasional Charity

While occasional acts of charity are better than none, they can create a false sense of righteousness. Many give once a year and feel satisfied, believing they have fulfilled Christ’s command. But scripture warns against such a mindset:

- 1 John 3:17 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

- Luke 16:19-31 (The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus) – The rich man did not actively harm Lazarus, but his failure to provide for him daily resulted in eternal separation from God.

Charity should not be a performance for special days—it should be a lifestyle that reflects God’s love daily.

4. How Can We Practice Continuous Giving?

Instead of limiting our charity to special occasions, we must develop consistent ways of helping those in need. Here are some practical steps:

1. Set aside a portion of your income for the needy. Just as we budget for food, rent, and other expenses, we should budget for giving.

2. Identify local needs. Are there orphanages, widows, or struggling families in your community? Can you support a child’s education, medical bills, or daily meals?

3. Join or start a regular outreach program. Partner with your church or community groups to establish long-term support for the poor.

4. Share meals and resources. If you have extra food, clothing, or supplies, make it a habit to give regularly.

5. Pray for the needy and take action. Prayer should inspire action, not replace it (James 2:14-17).

5. The Eternal Reward for True Charity

Jesus assures us that those who continuously care for the needy will inherit eternal life:

- Matthew 25:34 – “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”

- Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.”

In contrast, those who neglect this duty face eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:46). The stakes are high, and our response must reflect our understanding of this truth.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Loving our neighbor is not an event but a lifestyle. We must shift from occasional charity to continuous care. Let us:

• Give as regularly as we provide for ourselves.
• Move beyond token charity to real, ongoing commitment.
• Reflect the love of Christ in our daily actions.

May God help us to live out His commandment with faithfulness and compassion. Amen.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY