MONDAY August 18, 2025

Meeting Urgent Needs

And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
Titus 3:14

Paul had previously spoken about a believer’s duty to do good works. Again, he urged people to learn to maintain good works. As a Christian, doing good works are to be a natural part of our lives. Good works equate a Christian’s fruitfulness.

What stood out to me in this verse is the phrase “urgent needs.” Many people have general needs, but what about meeting people’s urgent needs? This phrase refers to a person’s “necessary needs.” The word urgent also means “what one cannot do without,” or an “indispensable” need. We are to offer relief to these poor souls.

So often we can live our lives without noticing other people’s needs, mainly because we are so focused on our own needs. Neither can Christians see an urgent need and then look away as if it does not exist: Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin (James 4:17). It is our duty to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to reveal His love and compassion to those who need it. It does not take much to give a hungry and thirsty person food and water––indispensable needs.

When you start your day, pray and ask God to reveal to you an “urgent need.” It could be an urgent need to help in an area of ministry, in missions, or to give instant relief to someone who is in need of shelter. Some people could do with a meal; others need means to travel home. Maybe you know someone who has had surgery, and they are laid up for weeks on end. Perhaps you know of a family who has lost a loved one, and they have urgent financial needs for the cost of the burial.

People face devastation––a hurricane, fire or flood––like the recent floods in Texas. There are safe ways to give, such as through reputable ministries like Samaritan’s Purse. They are on the ground among the devastation helping people rebuild their lives. They bring to them hope in the name of Jesus.

Giving to the poor is an essential part of Christian morality.
~C. S. Lewis~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!