Help Isn’t Always Easy

Recently, whilst in London, I was coming up the stairs from the underground at Victoria Station.

I saw her, seated quietly, seeking help.

In that moment, I reached into my pocket and gave what little change I had.

It wasn’t planned, it was simply the right thing to do in that moment, a quiet offering to help.

Moments later, as I rushed to sort out my ticket and catch a train to Mitcham, another woman approached me, much faster, louder and demanding money.

I had nothing left to give, yet she insisted.

I apologised and kept walking towards my train, feeling shaken and guilty.

That moment has stayed with me, especially this morning as I have been studying all about charity.

I gave freely at first yet somehow, I felt like I’d failed in the second.

Have you ever experienced something similar?

Reflecting further this morning, I remembered that helping people isn’t always simple.

That has certainly been my experience.

Some needs are gentle through a simple act of kindness, others can feel overwhelming.

Showing love isn’t about trying to please everyone, it’s much more about doing what you can with a willing heart.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

We can’t solve every problem, but to give what we can and to let go of our guilt when our hands are empty.

Sometimes our offering is a coin.

Other times it is a simple act of kindness.

And sometimes we simply have to walk away with nothing else to give.

We give what we can and trust God with the rest.

How do you discern between when to give and when to step back?