All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 
2 Corinthians 5:18-20

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Heading into the Barrington Area Library years ago, I noticed a man sitting near the front door asking for money. He appeared to be homeless. On the way out, he was still there so I stopped and chatted with him for a moment, then gave him a couple of dollars for his bus or cab fare. I gave him the benefit of the doubt that day—even though I was skeptical—and I prayed for him in my heart throughout the entire interaction and after.

A few months later, he was again sitting near the entrance to the library, asking for money. If I’m honest, seeing him triggered a mix of emotions in me. It irritated me that he was again so far from the City of Chicago (where he said he was from), begging for money, expecting people to give it to him—instead of working for it like me. I also worried for him—a homeless African American man who seemed woefully out of place in the predominantly affluent white suburb of Barrington. I didn’t want to give him money again, so instead, I offered to drive him all the way back to wherever he wanted to go in Chicago. It seemed more humane than just tossing a few dollars at him. I ended up spending four or five hours with him. I bought him a burger and fries, and we talked about his life and choices while I shared about my struggles and how Jesus saved me and was healing me. For me, that was the whole point of helping him: to share directly and genuinely with him as best I knew how—that Jesus can save anyone if they want to be saved—and that it is never too late.

I have no idea what became of that man who was estranged from his daughter, his family, and from his Creator. The only thing I can state with certainty is that I dropped him off at a safe shelter somewhere in Chicago. I still pray for him whenever I think of him. I pray the Holy Spirit spoke to him through our time together, inspiring him to surrender to the lover of his soul: Jesus. For me, it was a serious reminder to be available when the opportunity arises to share the love of God. And that choosing life by remaining loyal to Jesus—trusting Him wherever He may lead me—is worth any price. 

Next Steps

We serve a living God who loves us and wants all people to be reconciled to Him. Consider asking God for an opportunity to help someone else and, if appropriate, share a seed of hope by mentioning Jesus as your motivation. It is exhilarating when it happens to realize that the Creator of the Universe listened and answered your prayer.