Helping the Poor

A screenshot from the website of Tab for a Cause.

April 1 2020

Is Tab For a Cause Legit?

Published April 4, 2020

What if you can donate to charity while surfing the net and without spending anything? Fortunately, this is not just a “what if” anymore.

A web extension called “Tab For a Cause” allows you to do just that: donate to charity by browsing the web. You only need to add the extension to your browser. Every time you open a tab, the company will donate a fraction of a cent to charity.

This might not look much but with so many internet users, it can reach thousands of dollars. In fact, the company has raised more than $800,000 as of March 2020. The money raised is donated to charities such as:

Tab For a Cause also relies on services like Charity Navigator and GiveWell to ensure that they are supporting the right charities. They also have a monthly charity spotlight where they support a new charity recommended by their users.

These all sound good and easy. Too good to be true, in fact, that many internet users are wondering: is it legit?

Yes, Tab For a Cause is legit. Since it was launched in 2012, it has donated at least 30% of its earnings in various charities around the world. The charity also regularly issues quarterly financial reports.

How Does Tab For a Cause Work?

Tab For a Cause takes on the business model of passive charity apps like Charity Miles and Snooze App. It converts daily routine practices into acts of kindness.

First, you have to add the extension to your browser. Depending on your internet speed, this will only take a few seconds to several minutes at most. As of now, the extension only works on Firefox and Chrome.

Once the extension is added, it will take you to a new tab with a beautiful interface (instead of the usual blank screen display). Every time you open a new tab, you get one “heart” which is also shown on the new tab’s interface.

You can donate this heart to a charity of your choice as long as it’s supported by Tab For a Cause. One heart is equivalent to one-tenth of a cent. So 1,500 hearts will let you donate roughly $1.5 to charity. Not bad considering you’re only just doing what you regularly do.

So how does Tab For a Cause make money?

Aside from a beautiful interface, the new tab will also display small banner ads at the bottom corner. Tab For a Cause collects money from these ads. The money collected is used for operations and donations to charity.

A screenshot of an actual new tab when using Tab for a Cause.

Criticisms

Like most charity institutions, Tab For a Cause has had its fair share of critics.

One Reddit user pointed out that the charity’s financial reports in three consecutive quarters in 2018 show it only donates 30% of its earnings to charity. While its expenses on salaries and employment costs keep on increasing.

In its financial report for 2019, this trend continued with charity donations remaining at 30% of total income. While salaries have dropped by a few points compared to the same period last year.

Other Ways to Donate Online

There’s nothing wrong with Tab For a Cause. It’s free and you get to help people by doing the things you usually do. But if you want to make a bigger impact, there are other ways to donate to charity without leaving your couch.

Charity institutions like Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen have an online facility that lets you donate to their cause wherever you are. All it takes is a few clicks and you’re helping homeless people get a hot meal free in an environment free from judgment and discrimination. Each donation makes a world of difference for people trapped in unfortunate circumstances.

Donate To The Poor Online

Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless over 90,000 full and nutritious meals since 1993. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our christian charity online. Visit our homepage to find our online donation form.

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

A Bible with verses about serving other people

March 6 2020

Bible Verses About Serving Others And Helping The Needy

Content Team Helping the Poor 0

Published March 6, 2020

Jesus once said that whatever we do to the least of our neighbors, we do to Him. So if you really want to serve Him, the best way to start is by serving the needy.

You don’t have to be Mother Teresa or Mahatma Gandhi. All of us are called to be servants of Christ in our own ways. Simple acts of kindness like giving food to the homeless or helping old people cross the street – all these things will greatly please the Lord.

If you need more inspiration, here are bible verses about serving others:

Old Testament

When you are generous to the poor, you are enriched with blessings in return. Proverbs 22:9

Do not withhold good from those whom it is due when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ Deuteronomy 15:11

Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. Proverbs 14:21

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. Isaiah 1:17

Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. Isaiah 58:10

New Testament

Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My father will honor the one who saves me. John 12:26

And the King will answer them, ‘Don’t you know? When you cared for one of the least important of these my little ones, my true brothers and sisters, you demonstrated love for me.’ Matthew 25:40

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12

For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price in exchange for the salvation of many.” Mark 10:45

Learn to generously share what you have with those who ask for help, and don’t close your heart to the one who comes to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:42

The greatest among you will be your servant. Matthew 23:11

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

And whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:27-28

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18

Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done to you. John 13:15

Epistles

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

Help Us Help The Homeless

Homeless people are among the most vulnerable in the country. Help us make life better for them. Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen is serving hot lunches to the homeless in an environment free from judgment and discrimination. We also provide them with clothing items and hygiene kits. Any donation, whether in cash or in-kind, will be a huge help to get them through these trying times. Visit our homepage to learn more about how you can help.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

March 5 2020

Got Too Much Stuff At Home? Here’s What You Can Do With It.

Content Team Helping the Poor, Positive News 0

Published March 5, 2020

Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in things? Or perhaps you’re having a hard time locating things around your house? These could be signs that you have too much stuff at home.

But “too much” can vary for each person. Having more clothes than what they can wear in a week or two can be too much for some. But it can be just right for others. If you want to know whether you have too much stuff or not, here are some good indicators:

You have a hard time navigating your house from all the things cluttered on the floor.
You barely have enough space to sit or sleep.
You always have to buy replacements as you can’t find the original.
You and other people at home don’t know where things are most of the time.
Some of your stuff has to be stored outside your house.
You’re embarrassed by the appearance of your house.
People at home are ashamed of inviting company over.
You’re always saving the good stuff for later.

If you can relate to most of the above, don’t fret just yet. Here are some tips on what you can do with all that extra stuff.

Throw Away Those That Can’t Be Salvaged

If you take a quick survey of the stuff you own, you’ll notice that a significant part of it is beyond salvage. That can include a broken phone, dried-out pens or even moldy old bread that’s been sitting at the back of your pantry. Throwing all those away can be a good starting point to declutter your home.

Sort Items According to Frequency of Use

After getting rid of things that are not anymore useful, sort the remaining items on their frequency of use. Put the things you frequently use in easily accessible storage spaces. While stuff which you only use once a year, like your winter clothing or Christmas decor, should be safely stored away.

Evaluate The Sentimental Value

How many of your stuff are you keeping because you’re used to it and how many have actual sentimental value? Most of the time, we hold on to a thing because it’s always been there. But what we don’t notice is it’s taking up the space that’s supposed to be for the things with real sentimental value.

Set Your Priorities

If you have limited space, setting your priorities is essential. Always take into consideration the amount of storage space you have when sorting out which stuff to keep. Decide if things like that sweater you impulsively bought a few years ago and have never yet worn are still worth keeping. If you have no plans to wear it in the future, then better save that closet space and get rid of it.

Someone donating excess old clothes to charity.

Get Rid of Things That Don’t Bring You Happiness

According to tidying expert Marie Kondo, if a thing doesn’t spark joy, then you need to get rid of it. Sometimes, we just keep things because we are guilt-tripped into keeping it (like that hideous Christmas sweater gifted to you). Discarding them will not only free up space but also sets you free from the distress, anxiety, and frustration it’s causing you.

Donate to Charity

If things aren’t useful to you, it doesn’t necessarily mean that no one else would want it. So instead of throwing old clothes into the trash, better donate them to charity. There are a lot of less fortunate people who would be very happy to receive it.

If you’re in South Florida, you can bring those old clothes to use here at Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen. Aside from serving hot lunches, we’ve also been giving clothes and hygiene items to the homeless and poor for over 30 years.

(Interested In Donating To Us? Here’s A Quick Word From Our Staff: While we encourage donations, we find that we must be particular about what is donated. We get many old clothes which were at one time sentimental or very expensive but this does not translate to our needs and are often a burden to store and maintain. We would like to stress the things we really need which are hygiene items, sneakers, socks, jeans, shorts, t-shirts, polo shirts, hats/caps, blankets, jackets, sweatshirts, underwear, baby items, and all clothing should be clean and unwrinkled. Men’s suits, women’s nice dresses, and shoes are rarely needed except for special events such as a professional job interview and we maintain a pretty good selection. Nicer clothes might be better served at a Goodwill or Salvation Army where they could be resold and the money used to keep the workers employed. Also, food donations must be unexpired and in non-breakable containers.)

Get Creative

With a little bit of creativity, you can always turn your trash into something useful or even a stunning work of art. If you’re lacking for ideas, there are a lot of DIY videos you can find on the internet to help you get started.

Assign a Permanent Place for Each Item

When you’re sorting out the things that you’re keeping, see to it that you assign a permanent place for each item. This will help you easily locate them when you need them. Not to mention you won’t have a hard time looking for a place to store it after you’re done using it.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

Two extended hands about to clasp each other symbolizing helping other people.

February 26 2020

How The Parable of the Good Samaritan Relates to Life Today

Content Team Helping the Poor, Positive News 0

Published February 26th, 2020

The term “Good Samaritan” today refers to a person who helps others in a random act of kindness. It originated from the Parable of the Good Samaritan, a story that is very familiar to Christians.

In the story, a Jew was robbed and left to die by his assailants. Two highly respected men passed by him but decided to walk away. Then a Samaritan came along. Unlike the other two, he tended to the man’s wounds and brought him to an inn. Then he gave money to the innkeeper saying, “Look after him and when I return, I will reimburse you for any expense you may have”.

What makes this story very compelling is that Jews and Samaritans are historical enemies. Jews don’t talk to Samaritans as they consider them renegades. And this enmity is returned by the Samaritans.

But what has a thousand-year-old story to do with us? Like any parable, Jesus used this story to teach us lessons about life and about God. Here are some of the most valuable lessons from the Good Samaritan parable that relates so much to life today:

Help When Someone Needs Help

Having the intent to help is good but acting on that intent is much better. The Samaritan’s intent didn’t save the wounded man from death. It’s his actions that ultimately saved the man’s life. He didn’t walk away just like the two men before him. He decided to do something.

In our time, that half-dead man’s photos would end up in social media before he even gets to the hospital. Everybody would take pictures but very few would actually dare to help. We’ll feel sorry for that person but not enough to get involved. Now, are we the good Samaritan or are we the men who walked away?

Race Should Never Matter

Xenophobia and racial prejudice have always been a great divider among nations. Since the ancient times to the present, we tend to distrust others who don’t look like us or sound like us.

But the Samaritan didn’t care about race. He showed us that racism has no place in charity. And that we should help others regardless of where they came from or what they believe in. After all, we are all created equal: no one race is superior nor inferior from the other. And at the end of the day, we all belong to the same race: humanity.

A page of a dictionary where the word "kindness" is highlighted.

Be Kind Even To Your Haters

Have you ever wished ill of your enemy? Admit it or not, at some point in our lives we’ve all done that. Sometimes, the temptation to take revenge on our enemies is just so strong and difficult to resist.

In the story, the injured traveler most probably hated the Samaritan. And he knew that the dying man may still hate him after he recovers. Yet, he helped him. (Related: 5 Times Jesus Taught Us About Kindness)

The civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. famously said:

“On the parable of the Good Samaritan: “I imagine that the first question the priest and Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But by the very nature of his concern, the good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”

Consider putting yourself in the Samaritan’s shoes. What would you have thought of first? The fact that he’s from a different race or that he is dying and needs help?

Help Without Expecting Something in Return

Be honest with yourself, would you help someone if you know they will never be able to return the favor? If you answered yes, then good for you. But most of us wouldn’t.

Most of us help because we are expecting a reward of some sort. We return a lost wallet and expect the owner to reward us. We help our friends because we assume that they’ll also help us when we are in need.

But, in doing so, we create a world where we only help “our kind” and those who are “one of us”. There is not much incentive to help strangers if we know we can get nothing from them.

The Samaritan knew that the wounded man may never help him in return. Yet, he pressed on because he knew it’s the right thing to do.

Being a Good Samaritan in its modern-day context is hard. Most of the time, we are so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget about our less fortunate brethren. But you can still fix that.

Start with little acts of kindness and practice more empathy. Think less about what others can do for you and more on what you can do for them. That, in itself, is already being a good Samaritan. (Related: The Most Valuable Lessons We Learned From “Tuesdays With Morrie”)

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

A group of people planning a charity for their team building

February 19 2020

6 Ideas for Your Next Charity Team Building Activity

Content Team Helping the Poor 0

Published February 19th, 2020

Giving back is always a satisfying activity, but it can be more fun if done in groups. So for your next team building activity, why not incorporate a bit of charity? It will not only promote camaraderie, but it will also give your team the chance to help the less fortunate.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are six charity team-building activity ideas you can check out.

End-Hunger Games

This activity draws inspiration from the Hunger Games series – minus the morbid parts, of course. It involves a series of challenges that the participants have to overcome. Each challenge won will earn them non-perishable food items.

All collected food items will then be donated to soup kitchens and food banks. Charities like these are on the frontlines of the fight against hunger in the US. And with more than half a million homeless people in the entire country, any amount of donation is a big help.

How it works:

Map out the route and the stops from which your participants will compete on challenges and collect food items.
Prepare the challenges for each stop. It can be a trivia question or a task they need to complete. You can also add time limits to make it more thrilling.
Divide your team into different groups and provide each with instructions on how to earn food items.
Once done, each group will have to build a tower or anything they can imagine from the food items they’ve collected.
The most impressive construction wins. All food items from the event will then be donated to charity.

ArCANtecture

As the name suggests, cans are the star of this activity. Using canned foods, participants will showcase their creativity by building anything they can think of. It can be a sculpture, carnival game, or mini-golf hole. After the activity, all canned foods are donated to charity.

How It Works:

Divide your team into groups then provide each with an equal number of canned foods.
Allot a specific amount of time for each group to construct their pieces.
The most impressive masterpiece wins.

An example of charity team building ideas

Dress For Success

Homeless people who are looking to reenter the workforce are mostly in need of proper work clothes. Or even just an attire presentable enough for interviews. This need is what this activity aims to fill.

Participants will create necklaces, bracelets, and other fashion accessories for the homeless. You also can up the ante and have them fashion ready-to-wear work clothes.

How It Works:

Split your team into several groups.
Provide them with the materials needed to create the accessories.
The team with the best design and workmanship wins.
All creations will be donated to a pre-identified charity or to a charitable organization chosen by the winning team.

Bikes For Charity

Bikes might be a part of your childhood, but not all children are fortunate enough to own one. Kids in less privileged neighborhoods often have to walk to school, exposed to the elements. This is why some organizations have initiated the Bikes for Charity Campaign.

How It Works:

Participants will do challenges from which they will earn the materials necessary for building a bike.
Once all the materials are gathered, they will assemble the bikes. They can also put their own “special touch” to it by customizing the accessories.
The group with the most creative bike wins. All bikes assembled during this activity will be donated to charities helping kids from low-income families.

Snackvenger Hunt

From the popular team building game “Scavenger Hunt,” this activity involves tasks and clues. Each completed task will earn the participants a clue for the next task and snack items. They will then use these to make care packages for homeless and destitute kids.

How It Works:

Divide the participants into groups and provide them with the clue to the first task.
Once they’ve completed all the tasks and collected all the snack items, each group will then assemble it into kids’ snack packages.
The first team to complete all packages wins. These packages can then be donated to charity, or you can join food drives in schools and low-income neighborhoods.

The Breakfast Brigade

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Yet the No Kids Hungry Campaign estimates that around 3 million kids in the US aren’t getting a healthy breakfast at school. This is why The Breakfast Brigade would make a worthwhile teambuilding activity.

How It Works:

Divide the participants into teams.
Give each team the materials necessary for preparing a healthy breakfast meal. It can be a granola bar or a breakfast sandwich with milk.
The teams will race to make the most number of breakfast meals in the time allotted.
The team that has produced the most breakfast meals wins. The ideal place to do this would be in a school cafeteria.

Remember, all these ideas for a charity team building activity are just suggestions. You can always customize these to fit your objectives or just make your own. The most important thing is you have fun while helping others.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

A group of soup kitchen volunteers encouraging each other.

January 2 2020

Sample Notes to Thank Soup Kitchen Volunteers

Peter Heise Helping the Poor, Soup Kitchen 0

Published January 2nd, 2020

No other group of people deserves our gratitude more than volunteers. They lend their time, effort and resources to the less fortunate without expecting anything in return.

Though it’s not a paying job, it’s far from thankless. In fact, volunteers get something that no money can buy – fulfillment. The satisfaction of knowing that you’ve helped change lives is worth more than any material things. (Related: Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen)

Whether you’ve received help from a soup kitchen volunteer, these sample notes to thank soup kitchen volunteers will surely warm their hearts.

For Serving Food to the Homeless

Dear Volunteer,

The compassion you show to the people we serve is an inspiration for us all. I’ve noticed how you treat everyone with respect and kindness, no matter what the situation is. We both know how difficult it can be for the people who find themselves in need of the services we provide. Your words and actions go a long way toward helping them keep their dignity. I just want you to know that your work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Thank you for all that you do.

Dear Volunteer,

Thank you so much for helping us out at the soup kitchen. We are always in need of volunteers who are hard-working, organized and get along well with the people we serve. Every year our food lines are longer and longer as there is an increasing number of people who find themselves in need of our services. It’s only with the assistance of local volunteers such as yourself that we can rise to meet the challenge.

Keep being an inspiration.

Dear Volunteer,

Having a volunteer as you help us on weekends has been a true game-changer for our soup kitchen. Thank you so much.

Because of your assistance, we’ve had more time to focus on improving and formulating new programs for the homeless. Thank you for having such a big heart and choosing to help us! I want you to know that homeless clients express how much you’ve helped them in times of crisis. I know it’s not always an easy job to service the homeless community, but it’s so incredibly fulfilling!

We appreciate you more than words can say.

A soup kitchen volunteer serving food to the homeless.

For Sorting and Organizing Donations

Dear Volunteer,

Thank you for helping us pick up, sort, and organize all the donations we have received these past few weeks. I know it has been a lot of work, but you’ve done a wonderful job keeping the inflow and outflow running smoothly. You’re such an important part of our organization, and I hope you know that.

You are a blessing to us all!

For Providing Food Donations

Dear Volunteer

I want to thank you for your meal donations to the homeless people in our program. You’re doing more than just filling their bellies. You’re showing them that people do care, and that gives them hope. Sometimes hope is just what people need to try to change their lives.

Dear Volunteer,

Thank you so much for donating to the soup kitchen. Your support enabled us to cook up quite a feast and serve many thankful people. Your generosity is sincerely appreciated by staff, other volunteers, and diners alike.

May you continue to be blessed as you are a blessing to others.

Short and Simple Notes

You are an amazing volunteer! Thank you for everything. I just hope you continue to be so hardworking and helpful to many needy people. God bless you more each day!

Perhaps we may not have told you lately, but it’s true if we claim that every single day we are so gracious and thankful to God for having the best volunteer in town and that it’s you! Indeed, you are such a blessing from heaven. Thank you!

You may not realize this but you are the real-life Superman in the lives of all the people you have helped. Thanks for volunteering.

Every drop of your sweat will go towards building the foundation of someone else’s life. Thanks for working hard as a volunteer.

You are proof that volunteers are people who don’t want to be thanked for helping others but want to thank others for giving them the opportunity to help. May God bless you always.

For all that you have done to help make life easier for the homeless in this community, we thank you. May you be blessed a hundred-fold.

A million thanks to you! You have been a dedicated volunteer and you have shown how important it is to help others without getting paid. Thank you! We truly appreciate your kindness in so many ways. God bless you!

These sample notes to thank soup kitchen volunteers will surely fill their hearts.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

A photo of God's outstretched hand during sunset - a symbol of the difference between grace and mercy.

December 4 2019

What Is The Difference Between Grace and Mercy?

Peter Heise Helping the Poor, Positive News 0

Published December 4th, 2019

Though often used interchangeably, “grace” and “mercy” differ in many ways.

In a nutshell, they are two sides of the same coin. Grace is a gift we don’t deserve, while mercy is not getting the punishment we deserve.

Sounds confusing? Let’s break it down bit by bit.

In the dictionary, grace is defined as courteous goodwill. Meaning, it’s not asked for nor deserved, but is freely given. Mercy, on the other hand, is the compassion and kindness shown to someone whom it is in one’s power to punish or harm. It is an act meant to relieve someone of their suffering.

Let’s put it this way: suppose someone attempted to rob your house. You learned that the robber was just in a desperate situation and didn’t intend to do any harm at all. Instead of calling the police, you chose to pardon the thief and let the matter go – that’s mercy. Then you gave him some food and a few dollars to get him through this trying time – that’s grace.

In a world where mistakes are swiftly punished, and goodwill is only for the worthy, grace and mercy are an absolute necessity.

Grace vs. Mercy in Christianity

One of the most prominent stories in the bible is that of King David. Despite being a great ruler, he was a fornicator and an adulterer. But he is not alone. Plenty of other bible characters have done something terrible at some point in their lives. Saul was a disbeliever, Moses was a doubter, and Jacob was a liar.

Despite this, God made them his witness and used them to accomplish His purpose. Not only did He forgive them, but He also endowed them with unmerited favor.

Like these bible characters, we are all recipients of God’s mercy and grace as well. Despite having sinned over and over again, He has shown us kindness and compassion. He even sent his only son so all of us can be saved – an act of grace that we do not deserve.

In Christian theology, grace is often classified into two types: common and saving grace. The former is universal. It’s God’s grace to all of humanity regardless of their faith in Him. Examples of common grace are the beauty of creation, the life we enjoy, and the resources we are provided.

A saving grace, meanwhile, is that which provides salvation to a person. This type of grace is manifested in Jesus Christ himself, whom He sent to save us all. (Related: 5 Times Jesus Taught Us About Kindness)

A helping hand symbolizing acceptance of grace and mercy

Responding to Grace and Mercy

Grace and mercy are undoubtedly God’s ultimate expression of love for us. But how should we respond to this undeserved kindness? The bible teaches us of three ways: recognize, accept, and grow.

Recognize

To be able to respond to his grace and mercy fully, we must first recognize our need for such. We must humbly accept that we are all sinners and imperfect, and everything we have is thanks to Him. Let us shed our pride and shift our focus away from ourselves. Only by doing so can we acknowledge His presence in our lives and all the blessings we’ve received from Him.

Accept

He has given His grace and mercy for free, never asking anything in return. Thus, it’s only right to accept these acts of love with all our hearts. Wholehearted acceptance is the best way of showing our gratefulness for everything we’ve received.

Grow

When we accept his grace, we begin to grow in his love. In time, these seeds of love that He has planted in our hearts will take root and bear fruits. Through acts of kindness and compassion, we can then spread to the world the grace and mercy that He generously bestowed upon us.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

An illustration of Jesus hugging a lost sheep.

November 26 2019

5 Times Jesus Taught Us About Kindness

Peter Heise Helping the Poor, Positive News 0

Published November 26th, 2019

In the Bible, we read a lot of stories about Jesus’ ministry. He healed the sick and performed miracles. But what we often fail to see are the lessons he is trying to teach us through those acts.

Let’s not forget that Jesus is a teacher – one of the greatest there is. He used parables and stories to teach us about the kingdom of God. But his greatest method is teaching by example.

His deeds taught us about many Christian values, such as kindness and compassion. He raised children from the dead out of pity for their parents and accepted disciples from all walks of life. Most important of all, he gave up his life so all of us can be saved.

Here are five other times that Jesus taught us about kindness.

Healing the Leper

When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” – Matthew 8:1-4

Because of the communicability of their disease, lepers have been considered outcasts in Jesus’ time. They lived separately and were seen as “unclean” and “untouchable”.

But Jesus, taking pity on the leper, healed him of his disease. He didn’t see the man as a leper but a human being who was sick and needed his help.

Through this, Jesus taught us that kindness should go beyond social stereotypes. We should look at where they’re coming from and understand their circumstances. Only then can we develop genuine compassion.

In the words of Mother Teresa, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them”.

Dining With a Sinner

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was. But because he was short, he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him since Jesus was coming that way.

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:1-10

Would you be willing to dine with an ex-convict, a known sinner? Most of us would have hesitated, while others would flat out say “no.”

Zacchaeus may not be a convicted criminal but in the eyes of the Jews, he might well be. In Jesus’ time, tax collectors would often abuse their powers to line their pockets with the people’s hard-earned money.

Yet, Jesus never hesitated to dine with him. He didn’t care if others will see him associating with a sinner. He didn’t care if people will hate him for it. That is the kind of kindness that the world needs today. (Related: 50 Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today)

We should stop seeing people for the wrongs they’ve committed. Instead, we should judge them on how they try to right those wrongs and turn their life around.

Preaching to the Gentiles

Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” – John 4:4-14

Xenophobia is one of the biggest problems the world has today. But this prejudice of foreigners has been going on even in Jesus’ time.

The Samaritan woman is a foreigner and in the eyes of a Jew, she’s a gentile. These two races don’t associate. In fact, it’s frowned upon to talk to a gentile.

Thus, by preaching to a Samaritan woman, Jesus broke societal boundaries and showed us that kindness is universal. We shouldn’t only be kind to those of our own race. Everybody deserves compassion regardless of their skin color or religious beliefs.

A glass stain illustration of Jesus talking to a Samaritan woman.

Showing Compassion to the Sick

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” – Luke 8:40-48

In this story, Jesus could have reprimanded the woman for touching. But he didn’t. Since women didn’t have a lot of rights in those days, he could have “put her in her place.” Yet, he chose not to.

Instead, he called her daughter – a term of endearment. He understood her struggles and desperation, which led her to do what she did.

What do you think the woman felt at that moment? She was clearly scared as she was trembling. It’s possible that because of her illness, she wasn’t treated well by the people around her. But can you imagine the relief she felt when Jesus showed her kindness and compassion instead of reproach? How do you think this single act of kindness changed that woman’s life

Forgiving Those Who Hurt Him

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. – Luke 22:47-52

In spite of his imminent death, Jesus still found it in him to heal the man who arrested him. Even while hanging on the cross, he still managed to ask his father to spare the people who’ve hurt him because they don’t know what they are doing.

Forgiving those who’ve done us wrong is one of the greatest acts of kindness you can do – not only for others but for yourself too. You give your enemies the chance to redeem themselves and yourself the opportunity to heal.

How about you? What’s the greatest lesson about kindness that you’ve learned from the bible? Tell us in the comments.

Did you like this post? Check out our piece on the Four Types of Giving According to the Bible and The Simple Formula to a Happy Life.

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About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

Mother and son giving care packs to a family who lost their home.

November 20 2019

50 Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today

Peter Heise Helping the Poor, Positive News 0

Published November 20th, 2019

Once there was a man who was walking along a road when suddenly, robbers attacked him. They beat him so severely and left him almost lifeless. As life slowly ebbs away from him, a man passed by but did not stop. Another man saw him but chose to pass by on the other side of the road. A third man, a Samaritan, came and took pity on him. He treated and bandaged his wounds, then took him to a nearby inn to recuperate.

If you are a Christian, this story would be very familiar to you. This is the Parable of the Good Samaritan from the bible, and it teaches us three lessons:

kindness can save someone’s life
being kind is a choice
be kind to everyone, even strangers

Kahlil Gibran, a Lebanese-American writer, once said: kindness is like snow- it beautifies everything it covers.

Indeed, acts of kindness can soften even the hardest of hearts. It might not just save someone literally but also figuratively. Many people have been saved from going down a path of destruction with acts of kindness. It gives hope to the desperate and strength to those who struggle.

One act of kindness you can do today is give food to homeless children.

Though kindness is free, the world is still in dire need of it. So, at all times, be the good Samaritan. Choose to be kind even to the people you don’t know and without expecting anything in return.

If you don’t know where to start, here are some random acts of kindness you can do today:

Encourage someone who seems down.
Pick up your trash.
Say “please” and “thank you” – and mean it.
Volunteer or donate to the causes you believe in.
Use less plastic.
Don’t interrupt when someone is talking.
Carry around care packs that you can give to the homeless you pass by on the street.
Teach someone. We learn more when we share our knowledge to others.
Take a minute to direct someone who is lost, even though you might be in a rush.
Help others find the silver lining in every situation.
Give someone the benefit of the doubt.
Never be afraid to give compliments. It can brighten someone’s day.
Keep an extra umbrella at work, so you can lend it out when it rains.
Ask someone how they’re doing and listen sincerely to their response.
Make someone laugh.
Be kind to yourself. You deserve kindness too.
Donate stuff you’re not using anymore.
Say”hello” and “good morning” to people you pass by on the street.
Reach out to someone who is going through a tough time. A simple note or a text message will make them feel that someone still cares.
Offer a ride to the disabled.
Post positive and inspirational messages in unexpected places.
Think before you speak. Hurtful words, once spoken, can never be taken back.
Share a great book you’ve read. Someone might enjoy it too.
Help someone for free.
Help an elderly person with their groceries.
When in a crowded bus or train, offer your seat to pregnant women, the disabled, and the elderly.
Put your shopping cart back in its place.
Return something you borrowed after using it.
Hold the door open for someone.
Tell someone the truth. It might be harsh, but they’ll thank you for it in the long run.
Talk to someone new at school or work.
Donate food to a soup kitchen.
Turn off the faucet and unplug any devices when you’re not using it.
Plant a tree.
Cook extra portions of a meal and give it out to a neighbor who is in dire straits.
If you received excellent customer service, don’t forget to leave a generous tip to the service crew.
Post positive stuff online.
Take the day not to complain.
Help sick animals find homes.
After a haircut, donate your hair to institutions that make wigs for cancer patients.
Carry around pet food for homeless dogs and cats.
Pay for a veteran’s meal. Our soldiers have done so much for our country, but most of them struggle to find jobs upon going home. A free meal can make a difference to their day.
Say “I love you” to someone you love.
Let people have their spotlight. If they achieved something, let them savor the moment instead of bringing up your own accomplishment.
Allow someone to help you. Letting someone be kind is one of the acts of kindness itself.
Stop to allow a pedestrian to cross the street.
Learn the names of your office security guard, the person at the front desk, and other people you see every day. Greet them by name. It makes them feel important.
Give someone a chance. Sometimes it only needs an opportunity for someone to make their big break.
Be a friend who listens.
Be kind to someone you dislike.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

Celebrity rockstar Jon Bon Jovi talks about JBJ Soul Kitchen, a charity that helps feed the homeless.

November 13 2019

Hollywood Celebrities Who Are Helping the Homeless

Peter Heise Helping the Poor, Positive News, Soup Kitchen 0

Published November 13th, 2019

With just one TV appearance, they can already earn what a regular person makes in a year. It’s no surprise then that much is expected of celebrities in terms of charity.

Because of this expectation, almost all celebrities helping the homeless have done at least one charitable act in their life. Many of them made monetary donations. While others used their influence to draw attention to the causes they care about.

From human trafficking to women’s rights, these causes vary widely. In this post, we’ll highlight the Hollywood celebrities who are helping the homeless.

Jon Bon Jovi

A rock icon, actor and philanthropist, Jon Bon Jovi was the frontman of Grammy Award-winning rock band Bon Jovi.

In 2011, he and his wife opened Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen in Redbank, NJ. Their mission is to allow guests the dignity of a meal without judgment or discrimination.

Five years later, the duo opened a second Soul Kitchen in Toms River, NJ. It offers a SoHo dining experience with upscale fare but with no prices listed on the menu. Aside from food, the place also provides homeless people with job training and resources to get back on their feet.

What sets this restaurant apart is its “Pay It Forward” model. Diners can earn their meals by volunteering at the restaurant. They also welcome paying customers who can buy a Pay It Forward certificate for only $20. The amount collected is used to defray the cost of the next person’s meal.

The rockstar also established the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, an NGO that builds affordable houses. The foundation has already built 600 housing units in 10 states. These gave shelter to thousands of people, including veterans.

Maroon 5

A Grammy Award-winning rock band, Maroon 5 makes more than just great music. They are also known to stand up for certain causes.

These past few years, the band has made various efforts to address hunger in the United States. In some of their concerts, they team up with charitable institutions to conduct food drives. During such events, fans and concert-goers are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items.

In 2011, they collaborated with Snapple to create their own flavor, “Tea Will Be Loved.” All proceeds from which goes directly to Feeding America, a charity that feeds poor and homeless people across the country.

Meghan Markle

Even before she became royalty, Meghan Markle had been involved in many charities. When she became the Duchess of Sussex, her passion for helping others intensified.

Paparazzi photos of her secretly volunteering at a soup kitchen in London were making rounds on the internet last year. This soup kitchen serves as a meeting spot for women who lost their homes. (Related: Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen)

Coming from a humble background herself, the duchess felt an instant connection with these women. Reports say that the duchess frequently visits the soup kitchen. She even published a cookbook from the recipes she cooked with the women – with the proceeds used to raise funds for the facility.

Kirk Douglas

At 103 years old, Kirk Douglas is the last surviving star of the film industry’s Golden Age. And he certainly puts his influence to excellent use.

The retired actor is an avid supporter of different foundations and charitable organizations. Among his benefactors is the St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters. It’s an organization that supports soup kitchens, safe havens, drop-in centers, and shelters throughout the New York area.

Douglas’ most significant legacy for the homeless, however, is the annual star-studded event he holds at the Los Angeles Mission. In this Thanksgiving event, celebrities can volunteer to give food to the homeless.

He and his wife also established the Anne Douglas Center for Homeless Women. The charity helps destitute women from Los Angeles to turn their life around.

Drew and Jonathan Scott

HGTV viewers know them as “The Property Brothers” after their famous reality show. These twin brothers not only sell houses, but they also help make them for the homeless.

In 2017, they partnered with Habitat for Humanity to launch the “Home is the Key” campaign. It aims to build houses as well as raise funds and awareness about the need for affordable housing. Just last year, they helped build homes for two deserving families in Nashville.

In an interview, Jonathan revealed that ever since they sold their first house, they’ve seen what home really means to a family. They hope to build more inexpensive homes for needy families.

At the end of the day, charity boils down to passion. It doesn’t matter if you’re a celebrity or a regular person or if you’re earning millions or minimum wage. If you have the heart for helping like theses celebrities helping the homeless, that’s all that counts.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.