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Help for the Unemployed and the Homeless
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Hope and Courage
We can do nothing without courage and perseverance. Speak
words of hope and courage to the poor and the disheartened. If
need be, give tangible proof of your interest by helping them when
they face difficult situations. Those who have had many advantages
should remember that they themselves still err in many things, and
that it is painful to them when their errors are pointed out and they
are shown an inspiring pattern of what they should be. Remember
that kindness will accomplish more than censure. As you try to teach
others, let them see that you wish them to reach the highest standard,
and that you are ready to give them help. If in some things they fail,
do not be quick to condemn them.
Simplicity, self-denial, economy—lessons essential for the poor
to learn—often seem to them difficult and unwelcome. The example
and spirit of the world is constantly exciting and fostering pride, love
of display, self-indulgence, extravagance, and idleness. These evils
bring thousands to poverty and prevent thousands more from rising
out of degradation and wretchedness. Christians are to encourage
the poor to resist these influences.
Jesus came to this world in humility. He was of lowly birth.
Though He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, the Com-
mander of all the angel host, He humbled Himself to accept hu-
manity, and then He chose a life of poverty and humiliation. He
had no opportunities that today’s poor do not have. Toil, hardship,
and privation were part of His everyday experience. “‘Foxes have
holes,’” He said, “‘and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of
Man has nowhere to lay His head.’”
Luke 9:58
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Jesus did not seek admiration or applause from the people. He
commanded no army. He ruled no earthly kingdom. He did not
court the favor of the wealthy and honored of the world. He did not
claim a position among the leaders of the nation. He lived among
the lowly. He repudiated the artificial distinctions of society. He
ignored the aristocracy of birth, wealth, talent, learning, rank.
He was the Prince of heaven, yet He did not choose His disciples
from among the learned lawyers, rulers, scribes, or Pharisees. He
passed these by, because they prided themselves on their learning
and position. They were fixed in their traditions and superstitions.