Faith and the blind

This morning I bumped into a number of people selling “flags”.  It is, of course, a common sight in Hong Kong on Saturday mornings, and a uniquely Hong Kong feature - charities asking for donations in return for a small sticker.  

One of the couples struck me particularly - an elderly lady leading an elderly gentleman selling flags in the train station. They were doing what they can to help themselves and others with similar needs.  They were very grateful for the little bit that I put in the bag.  I can’t help but to ask myself: “What can we do for them, and what have we done for them?”  At the same time, many Bible verses came to mind.

“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” (Proverbs 21:13)

“If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:16)

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”  (1 John 3:17)

“For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20)

What God wants us to do is quite clear.  But are we doing what we should be doing?