12/18/2025
Good Will Toward Men?
Recently, I heard a story that baffled me, especially with our current economic challenges and the holiday season.
The story goes a little something like this: A family, who apparently was struggling came to a local church on a Sunday morning. The usher, seeing the family’s appearance went and got the pastor of the church. The pastor spoke with the family briefly and then sent them on their way. They were not allowed to enter the church, to worship with the congregation; and were not given any aid (assuming they may have asked).
When I heard this story, it broke my heart. A local Christian church turning away people in need – not even allowing them to come into the church. And even before they were turned away, they were judged because of their appearance!
Even if the church could not help this family, could they not allowed them to hear the Gospel of Christ?
Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”
What did this congregation miss out on because they chose to lock their doors? Perhaps a visitation? At the very minimum, an opportunity to bless another who was struggling; an opportunity to show and share the love of God.
This story only reflects the current state of the Western Church. Seldom places where people (outsiders) feel welcomed, because they (churches) have become social clubs filled with clicky people, who look down upon others who may not be like them.
I wonder if Jesus were to walk into some of these church, would he feel welcomed? Would someone introduce themselves? Would others stare because he didn’t quite fit in? Would the worship focus on Christ or on self (most of the current worship music is self-focused instead of God-focused). Would the Word preached point him to God or would it be a fluffy motivational talk? Would Jesus experience the presence of God?
It certainly makes you wonder!
In this holiday season, people struggle for various reasons, more than most any other time of the year, but aren’t we called to help those in need? We don’t always have to throw money at a problem, but we could be the hands and feet of Jesus, nonetheless.
Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…"
What might keep you or a church from welcoming in the stranger? Fear? Lack of Compassion? Maybe they felt as though they had nothing to give?
Fear – throughout scripture God tells us to FEAR NOT. What have we to fear anyway? Yes, we need to be wise in this day and age with increased violence, but we can’t allow fear to close the door on God’s love.
Lack of compassion – If our hearts don’t break for the broken-hearted, then we need to get right with God ourselves. He says He will give us a new heart – we simply need to turn to Him (Ezekiel 36:26, Ezekiel 11:19, Jeremiah 31:33 and Hebrews 8:10).
Nothing to give – I understand there are times we feel helpless to help others, but if we would only ask the Father what to do, He would guide us and direct us.
If any of these things if running a church, they probably shouldn’t be open at all.
Recently, I was getting gasoline at Sam’s Club in Salt Lake City. As I was leaving, I saw a man with a sign. The sign said, “Will work for food.”
I read the sign and continued down the road, until the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and told me to turn around and help that man. I thought to myself – I don’t have any work for this guy to do, and I don’t have any cash on hand. So, I asked God – what do you want me to do?
Now, I did not hear the audible voice of God in this moment, but I do feel like I was prompted to go back into Sam’s Club and buy him some food items. I bought a few things for that moment and something that might last him a few days.
I’m not patting myself on the back, but we as believers should always have our hearts and ears attentive to what God may want us to say and/or do at any given time. I for one don’t want to miss an opportunity to bless someone and in return it is a blessing to me!
We always have something to give! Even the young boy had 2 fish and 5 loaves, and it fed over 5000 men (not including women and children). God can use the smallest of things to impact multitudes!
James 1:27 says, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
Maybe it’s time for us to get back to Pure and Undefiled Religion! It is time for us to take the focus off ourselves (our 4 and no more) and ask God what we can do to make a difference around us – in our homes, in our churches, in our cities, etc. It doesn’t have to be grandiose; it just has to be authentic.
Let’s welcome those who are lonely and alone. Let’s give a helping hand to those in need. Let’s share the love of Christ to those who may not know Him. It may be a ride to the store, a meal, fixing something, a smile, some time. Whatever you have and are willing to give, God can use it.
Luke 2:14 - “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
