The church where I serve as pastor has given me a discretionary account with a set amount of money that I can use to help someone in need.

One must develop specific guidelines to go by when helping others, especially when using the church’s money. I do not give cash, but will often pay a bill for someone, or meet them at the gas station or a grocery store.

Sometimes I must say “no.”

Once, someone asked me to loan them more money than I had in the account. I had to tell them no. They immediately became angry and wanted to fight. I had to call the police.

One week, I returned home after church. As soon as I sat down, the phone rang.

A lady said she was returning to work after a layoff, but had no gas. I did not want to get up from my recliner to meet her at the gas station, but I did. When we met, I put gas in her car, then followed her to the grocery store and bought her food.

God’s Word is clear: be ready and willing to be helpful. When people ask, be content to answer. By responding when we can, we are God’s partners, spreading His love to those in need.