I had a friend share with me today that on his way to work he was stopped by a new acquaintance that he has made between his house and the office. His new “friend” showed him his foot and he needed money to buy medication because his foot was badly infected. My friend told me he gave him some money to buy a bandage and some ointment and asked him to make sure to stop him tomorrow so he could see his bandage.

There are many people continually asking for money so it is difficult to discern who to help and how much to give. Some are willing to work and some would prefer to be given a small amount that they are asking for. I’m reading a book entitled African Friends and Money Matters that highlights many of the differences how Westerners and Africans view money. It has also helped open my eyes to many different areas that I didn’t even think about, but I’ll explain some of those another day after I have some more real life examples.

Back to my friend, when he got to work he sat down at his desk and read his devotion for the day in Proverbs and was very glad that he helped his new friend.

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.  If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.” Proverbs 3:27-28 NLT

My prayer is that I will be able to discern how I can best help those around me and to not withhold good from those who deserve it.