On Being Christian: Showing Love to a Stranger

Have you ever seen a pitiful soul in need of help and as a Christian thought about showing love, only to find yourself holding back for fear of robbery or assault? Is there a way to reconcile the Christian ideology, "Love thy neighbor" with the practical belief, "Protect thyself"?

In light of the recent earthquakes, tsunamis, and other calamities, one act you might find yourself considering as a Christian is to take in the homeless. If you're comfortable with that, fine. But remember the Elizabeth Smart case-where the family hired a homeless man to help with odd jobs-a man who later kidnapped and sexually assaulted their daughter. There are also crimes on record that took place during placement of the homeless after Hurricane Katrina, in which those placed in homes stole from their benefactors. Still, that's not to say that every stranger is thinking of assault or robbery. Some are wonderful people who are simply down on their luck. However, any Christian who wants to show love to a stranger and yet fears for life and limb has other options available, and below are ways to show Christian love while at the same time avoiding a potential problem.

To show Christian love: Donate materials to a rescue organization. There are a multitude of rescue organizations that are desperate for materials such as summer and winter wear, school kits, hygiene kits, and almost any item used in every day living. Some of the organizations have a national focus, while others are international. In the area where I live, women are putting Christian love into practice by making hygiene kits for The Christmas Box Clubhouse, an organization for abused/neglected children. Another group makes blankets, clothing, and school kits for international humanitarian efforts.

To show Christian love: Call a cop. No doubt, there will be some who've had unpleasant experiences with the police, but for most people, this is an overlooked way to show Christian love. When you see a person in need, call for an officer. Police departments are well aware of the location of mental health centers, homeless shelters and other avenues that are available to help those in need, but may be unknown by the public. Instead of handing that homeless person-who might not be homeless at all, and scamming you-money from your wallet, call the local police. And while you're at it, show that officer a little love and kindness as well, by treating him with respect.

To show Christian love: Help pay a senior citizen's utilities. Baby Boomers are moving into their roles as Senior Citizen Boomers, and especially in view of the tight economy, many seniors are now in need of help. Almost every utility company offers a way to help pay someone's bill. If you want to show Christian love, pay part (or all) of that elderly lady's gas bill. You know ... the one who's so sweet and lives just down the block, but doesn't have a penny to her name.

To show Christian love: Give blood. This may be an avenue of showing love that didn't enter your mind before. If you're free from illness, have no allergies, and are able to meet the requirements, donate blood. Think of all the love you can share with strangers who may be in dire need. You can do it with a donation that doesn't cost you any money and only a small amount of time. And whether you're Christian or not, you get free cookies and juice, to boot!

In addition, there are the well-known organizations such as the Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Latter-day Saint Charities, as well as local homeless shelters or other bona fide organizations. All of them are great ways to, "Love thy neighbor," while avoiding the danger of thy neighbor not loving thee back.

Other articles by this author:
6 Inspirational Bible Verses: Bible Verses of Inspiration to Comfort and Uplift
Poem: Short Rhyming Poem with Uplifting Thoughts on the Afterlife
Poem--Short Rhyming Poem About the Ocean and God's Love

Sources:
Personal experience.