Today's readings are Nehemiah 7.1-4 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Neh.+7.1-4 ), Nehemiah 8.1-18 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Neh.+8.1-18 ), 1 Timothy 5.1-16 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Timothy+5.1-16 ), and Ezra 1.1-10.19 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Ezra+1.1-10.19 ).
Observe in 1 Timothy 5.1-16, the Church is not called to provide support and comfort to everyone on the same level at all times regardless of their circumstances. Sometimes the body of Christ is compared to a communistic system in which everyone is provided for just the same. This simply isn't the case. God has appointed the family to care for its own family members, then the Church to care for those whose families cannot help them for one reason or another.
How many times have we seen or done something else? Felt anguish that we help one person but not another? Considered that diaconal care should extend to everyone in the city? While there's a place for wondering how we can be the best possible stewards of the resources our Lord has given us, there's a clear place for drawing distinctions. Paul lays some of it out here. Let's move on in the faith, being obedient to the principles laid out here, trusting the Lord will show us ways we can be salt and light, flavoring our world and showing Jesus who came for everyone.
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