Fast Day 26: Hungry and Needy

What is the difference between hunger and greed and gluttony? Your fast may help you to explore these three aspects:

Hunger, first and foremost, is a compelling need or desire for food, but we may characterize any strong and compelling desire or craving as a hunger. For example, a hunger for more in life, a hunger for something satisfyingly spiritual, a hunger for keeping up with the Jones’, or a hunger or addiction to toxic substances.

Some definitions for greed include an intense and selfish desire for more of something than is needed, an uncontrolled longing for gain, and an excessive or rapacious desire for wealth or possessions.

Gluttony may be defined as a habitual desire for eating and drinking in excess, or eating and drinking in an indulgent manner.

Despite their desires, some people will die of hunger, because they won’t get up and go to work. And some people are always greedy for more, but the righteous still gives and does not hold back. Proverbs 21: 25-26

Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6: 37-38

When God calls you to help feed someone, what if they are greedy like the person in Proverbs?

No matter how a person ends up hungry, the Bible says they are needy and we are called by God to feed and love them, without judgment, because:

We understand what it’s like to be poor (Proverbs 29:7).
Without love, giving is nothing (1 Corinthians 13:3).
Who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:12).
Do not judge, or you will be judged (Matthew 7:1).
Take care of your own sin first to see others clearly (Matthew 7:5).
If you are without sin, throw the first stone (John 8:7).
Defend the rights of the poor (Proverbs 31:9).
No condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1).

As a family mentor for my church, I am committed to help a family create a safe and secure environment for their children, in spite of the parent’s struggles with money, hard relationships, unforeseen circumstances, or bad health. As I have asked for help from others (grocery or gas gift cards, furniture, tax help), I have found myself defending the family’s situation to explain and ward off any judgments that might stop someone from helping. More biblically, going forward, I see that I need to ignore sharing about whether the person is worth helping in their eyes and focus instead on the joys of giving, not holding back and giving without measure.

How will you give without measure the next time God places someone in your lap?

Righteous Judge, Jesus did not judge others but treated them with respect and love. Help me to also not judge, especially the hungry. Show me how to feed them and meet their needs so they are free to see You. Amen.