Motivations

God has consigned everyone’s lust of the flesh, pride of life and vanities to sin (that is 100% of all humans) in order that He may also consign everyone to deeds of righteousness, meaning works of mercy. For it is said in scripture, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 Also it is said, “For God has consigned all men to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all.” Romans 11:32 Yet again it is said, “Judgment is without mercy to those who have shown no mercy, yet mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:13

Some are motivated to serve the poor because somehow it feels good for them to help "unfortunate losers." Although this motivation may have a wonderful outcome, is it the right motivation? Consider this ... Because all have been consigned to disobedience so that God may have mercy on us all, therefore all have been consigned to doing works of compassion and mercy for the poor, the homeless, the broken, the prisoner, lost and abandoned. Being consigned to sin ourselves, possibly it is also the right motivation for each Christian to want to be merciful and help the poor and homeless in their neighborhood, office and world.