Q:
We've always looked forward to getting together with some friends for Thanksgiving. But this year our church is helping put on a special Thanksgiving meal at our local homeless shelter, and they've asked us to help. Would it be wrong for us to say no?
A:
I’m thankful your church is doing this, along with other churches in your area. The godly person, the Bible says, “gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked” (Ezekiel 18:16).
We sometimes look down on those who are homeless or otherwise lacking in what we consider essential to a good life—but we shouldn’t. Remember: Mary and Joseph were homeless for a time, having to flee to Egypt from King Herod’s plot to kill the infant Jesus. Jesus too knew what it was to be homeless and poor. He said on one occasion, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).
Ask God to guide you as you make this decision. He knows what is best, both for you and for those your church is seeking to serve. How tragic it would be if no one stepped up to help them! Remember too this shelter’s needs throughout the year; even if you don’t volunteer now, I hope you’ll consider doing so later.
If you do decide to spend this Thanksgiving with your friends, be grateful for them, and ask God to bless your time together. Make it a time of true thanksgiving, thanking God for all His blessings. Never forget, both at Thanksgiving and throughout the year, that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father,” who “chose to give us birth through the word of truth” (James 1:17-18).