What You See May be Different from What it Appears to be
I read many comments on Facebook about people abusing the system - welfare, food stamps, etc. I have witnessed first hand the abuses of the system and it bothers me too. I have also seen hard working people try to get assistance and be turned down in the midst of other people's abuses. The system is broken in many ways.
However, as a family who has needed to use these services, I caution judging someone you see in a grocery line with a cartful of food and paying with an EBT card. They may be a family who has reluctantly applied for services. They may be a single parent working one or more minimum wage jobs that can barely pay basic expenses and doesn't qualify for help with child care expenses or is stuck on a waiting list.
Yes, the person may be abusing the system, but being rude or judging them will not change the system. It only grows our bitterness towards people in these circumstances. I have been guilty of judging people I see in stores making poor food choices with their EBT money. The other day God posed the following question to me, "What if you responded in love, engaged people in conversation and offered to pray for them?" It may not change the system, but it will change our hearts and possibly change someone's life.
Father, help me to see others as You see them. Help me to walk in boldness and engage others in conversations seasoned with Your love.
However, as a family who has needed to use these services, I caution judging someone you see in a grocery line with a cartful of food and paying with an EBT card. They may be a family who has reluctantly applied for services. They may be a single parent working one or more minimum wage jobs that can barely pay basic expenses and doesn't qualify for help with child care expenses or is stuck on a waiting list.
Yes, the person may be abusing the system, but being rude or judging them will not change the system. It only grows our bitterness towards people in these circumstances. I have been guilty of judging people I see in stores making poor food choices with their EBT money. The other day God posed the following question to me, "What if you responded in love, engaged people in conversation and offered to pray for them?" It may not change the system, but it will change our hearts and possibly change someone's life.
"For the love of Christ compels us..."
2 Corinthians 5:14a
Father, help me to see others as You see them. Help me to walk in boldness and engage others in conversations seasoned with Your love.
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