[null, {"document_url": "https://www.heartlight.org/wjd/john/0821-wjd.html", "unformatted_src": "https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/8226.jpg", "src": "https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/8226.jpg", "alt_text": "Illustration of John 12:7-8 NLT \u2014 Jesus replied [to Judas], \"Leave her alone. She [anointed me] in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.\""}, null]
What Jesus Did! 'Putting Poverty in Perspective' — John 12:7-8


Jesus replied [to Judas], "Leave her alone. She [anointed me] in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
— John 12:7-8 NLT 
Scripture is clear: We are to help the poor, feed the hungry, and care for widows, orphans, and aliens among us. At the same time, we may have questions about our decisions. How should we give? What do we give specifically and graciously to help the poor among us? What do we give to support other facets of the Lord's work generously and extravagantly? Each is important. Each can honor God. So let's not be critical of those who give extravagantly to any of God's work? God knows the hearts of the givers, and we need to rejoice in their generosity to honor him. Even more, we all need to be generous with the Lord and those in need! After all, Jesus himself reminds us that when we care for those less fortunate, we are actually caring for him! (Matthew 25)


Loving and gracious Father, mold my heart to be more like yours. Bless me with graciousness, generosity, thankfulness, and a forgiving spirit. Open my eyes to all that Jesus has done, is doing, and will do for me so that I will more freely share with others my love, possessions, money, and time. In Jesus' name, and because of Jesus' love, I pray. Amen.




