Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
    when it is in your power to act.
Do not say to your neighbor,
    “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
    when you already have it with you.
Proverbs 3:27-28

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“Why not, Daddy?”

I didn’t have a good answer.

I had both my young boys in the car with me, and we, once again, passed the man who appeared homeless by the side of the road asking for food and help—and we, once again, did nothing. Their simple, innocent question, after hearing the reasons we weren’t able to help, really threw me for a loop. I’m sure my excuses sound familiar.

“We’re in a hurry.” 

“I don’t carry cash on me anymore.”

“We don’t have any food with us.”

“They’ll probably waste it on something else.” 

And then I said it, “Unfortunately, boys, we are unable to help out this time.” And then they said it, “Why not, Daddy?”

As we drove in silence, I tried to answer that question for myself. “Why not?” 

I’ve been a Follower of the teachings of Christ for many years. My wife and I have been trying to live out and raise kids who exemplify the qualities of Jesus that we read about in Scripture. Qualities like caring for the poor, radical inclusion, and sacrificial giving. We know all the verses about “doing unto others” and “the least of these.” We’ve sat through countless sermons extolling the virtues of helping others…and yet…at this moment, I didn’t have a satisfactory response for a simple “Why not?”. 

We started to slowly dismantle all the excuses and asked ourselves, How can we quickly bless someone who has a need?” 

We started keeping granola bars wrapped with information about the Northern Illinois Food Bank and a little handwritten note in both of our cars. Now, every time we come across someone who’s in need on the side of the street, we’re prepared to offer them some help. When we wrap the granola bars, we pray for every person who might get one. We know that it’s not going to solve poverty, but for that individual, it helps, and we can say that we’re honoring God with what we’ve been given. We’re proactive about the intentional reduction of excuses keeping us from living out God’s purpose. “Why not?” has become “How can we?”, and that’s a lot more exciting!

Next Steps

Many of us are uncertain of what to do when it comes to seeing someone in need right outside our car door or on the corner next to our favorite coffee shop. Spend some time with God today and ask Him, what is my “how can we?” next step. Perhaps God would have you do what my family and I have done. Alternatively, you may live near the Willow Creek Care Center and can carry cards directing people there. Whatever it might be, it doesn’t have to be extravagant; just follow God’s lead.