Discernment in Helping Others

As pastors, my husband and I deeply desired to help others. Our hearts were moved whenever we saw someone in need, and we gave generously to try to alleviate hardships. Over the years, we opened our home to people who needed temporary shelter and even allowed a homeless man to live in the basement of our church.

At first, it felt like we were truly living out the call of Christ—to love and serve those in need. But, in almost every case, the individuals we helped were not looking for real change. They only wanted handouts to continue their free-spirited, self-serving lifestyles, feeling no obligation to anyone, including God. Some even believed

that because we were Christians, we were obligated to give without limits simply because we had the means to do so.

Eventually, the weight of these encounters took a toll on us. One day, in utter frustration and weariness, I cried out to my Heavenly Father. I begged Him to send us people who truly desired transformation, people we could mentor and equip to mentor others, so the Gospel could spread faster and "set the captives free." I also prayed for wisdom to discern the difference between those who would drain us of our precious time and resources and those who were ready for positive change.

That prayer changed everything. God began to give us clarity and discernment, helping us to see beyond words and appearances. He showed us how the enemy uses our generous hearts and zeal for Christ against us, sending people into our lives who only want to discourage us and derail the ministry. Now, I counsel young pastors to be discerning about whom they help, because not everyone who asks is ready to receive what God has to offer.

Scripture Reading

1. Matthew 7:6 (NIV):
   "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

2. Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV):
   "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

3. James 1:5 (NLT):
   "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."

4. Proverbs 3:21-22 (KJV):
   "My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck."

Being a generous and compassionate Christian is a beautiful calling, but it requires wisdom and discernment. Jesus calls us to love and serve, but He also warns us not to waste our resources—our "pearls"—on those who are unwilling to value or receive them. While it is natural to want to help everyone, not everyone is ready for true transformation. The enemy often sends people to distract and discourage us, using their needs to drain us rather than empower us.

Discernment is not about withholding help out of selfishness; it is about being a good steward of what God has entrusted to us. When we seek His guidance, He will show us whom to help and how to do it in a way that bears fruit for His Kingdom.

• I declare that I will seek wisdom and discernment from God in all my decisions. (James 1:5 KJV)

• I declare that my acts of service will honor God and bless those genuinely seeking Him. (Galatians 6:9-10 KJV)

• I declare that I will not grow weary in doing good, trusting God to lead me to those ready for positive transformation. (Matthew 7:6 KJV)

• I declare that my heart will remain compassionate yet guarded by wisdom and discretion. (Proverbs 3:21-22 KJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving me a heart of compassion and a desire to serve others in Your name. I bring to You my weariness from past disappointments, and I ask for Your wisdom and discernment to guide me in helping others. Show me who is truly ready for change and help me to steward my time, resources, and energy in a way that brings You glory.

Protect my heart from discouragement, and teach me to recognize the tactics of the enemy. Give me boldness to set healthy boundaries when necessary and to trust that You will bring the right people into my life at the right time. Thank You for equipping me to mentor and empower others to spread Your Gospel and set the captives free. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Let this devotional encourage you to continue serving with a generous heart while trusting God to lead you in wisdom. Discernment doesn’t diminish your generosity; it ensures that your sacrifices bear lasting fruit for His Kingdom.