Proverbs 21:13 (NKJV)
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.

As I write this, I am in the comfort of my living room wearing sweats and a nice warm shacket my daughter gave me last Christmas.  The furnace is on and the room is at 71 degrees.  The blinds are up on one window that faces the street.  As the sun has long set it is becoming harder to see outside.  The brightness of the snow on the ground allows me to see more than usual.  Only the glass from this window separates me from my cozy couch and a world that is 20 degrees.  It is freezing outside. 

I stepped into the garage earlier today just for a few minutes.  When I came back in I shared with my wife how cold it was and also commented how I felt bad for the homeless.  Some choose to be homeless.  I am not referring to this group though I still desire that they have comforts that I have.  I am referring to folks who, for whatever reasons, find themselves outside in 20-degree weather with no roof, no warmth, no shoes, and perhaps nothing hot to eat or drink.  I’m five seconds away from making a piece of toast or a pot of coffee.  I do not feel guilty.  God has blessed my family with all of these things so we may be protected from freezing weather and have the comforts that a home provides.  

God loves you and I just as much as the homeless person that no one knows (Romans 2:11).  Even Elijah was homeless for the briefest time and God provided for his needs at the brook Cherith (1 Kgs. 17:5-6).  The Word of God says that He will provide for our need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).  So, whether in my warm living room, or the freezing outdoors, there is comfort in knowing that God provides.  However, as our God is always a God of action, we should imitate Him (Eph. 5:1) so we may help those in need. 

We cannot be everywhere at once.  Depending on life circumstances, we may not be able to physically help the homeless at any given moment.  But, where is our heart?  Are we at least thinking about them as I did this morning, or perhaps you have done today?  If we see someone in need of a coat, do we give them ours knowing we can purchase another one no later than tomorrow?  Do we buy them a cup of hot chocolate or coffee?  Do we at least say “hello” which might have more value than any material good?

We should never feel guilty about having a nice, warm home.  We should always feel thankful as God has blessed us.  But may we always be attentive to the cry of the poor.  May we never turn our back on them.  It is true, because it is God’s Word, that if we ignore the cry of the poor we may cry out one day and not be heard. May that never be the reason we help someone in desperate need.  May we do so because we love them as God loves us.

Copyright 2025 Michael Callahan Ministries, LLC