Helping the Needy from an Arm's Length

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for one another.  If any one of you has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in you? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:16-18

The red kettles of the Salvation Army have become a part of Christmas tradition here in America.   It seems like every store has a smiling bell ringer clanging away, encouraging people to generosity.

On Saturday Shannon and I had the chance to ring those bells at Wal-Mart in Rochester.  For an hour we chimed away, humming and ringing to the beat of all kinds of classics (we found that Jingle Bells worked best…but we could also jingle out the beat to the Minnesota Rouser!) 

People streamed past us on their way to their serious Christmas shopping.  They pushed carts piled with toys & goodies for young and old.  Despite all the talk of recession and tough times, people still came to Wal-Mart to shop.

As the hour jingled past, money continually poured into the kettle.  Parents taught their kids the importance of generosity, encouraging them to reach up and put money in the open hole.  People on their way out the door tossed in the change that the cashier had just given them.  Others went out of their way to fold larger bills and stuff them into the kettle.   

Generosity ran rampant.  While people came to Wal-Mart to buy presents for their families and loved ones, they didn’t forget those in need.  They gave money to feed the hungry and house the homeless.  As the bell clanged in my ear I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride.  I was part of something special.  Those dollars and coins make a difference in many people’s lives. Shannon and I helped encourage that. 

Salvation Army bell ringing is a wonderful thing, yet as I drove home something troubled me…I did not come in contact with the people I hoped to help.  The homeless and hungry remained nameless and faceless.  I had the freedom to hop in my car, do some good, get a little shopping done on the side, and drive home.    I dabbled in helping people in need … but did it from an arm’s length.

I feel that I am, by nature, a generous person.  I give money to Lutheran World Relief.  I support a congregation that supports places like the Salvation Army Dental Clinic, Rochester Women’s Shelter, and the Channel One food bank.   I take part in the Cardboard Box City where I experience what it’s like to sleep in the cold.  I try to make a difference in the world…but I live in a bubble.  I live my happy middle class life in my warm house with my warm clothes and good food.  I rarely have actual contact with the people in need.  I can help them without being inconvenienced.  I don’t have to feel uncomfortable with actual personal interaction with people who are struggling in life. 

Is that what it means ‘see a brother or a sister in need?’  Do I actually see them or do I know in theory that they exist and that something should be done to help? 

Does anyone else struggle with this?