Several years ago on Vancouver’s West End, Donni LaSaw was working as a clerk in a local Mini Mart. 

On a July afternoon, a young man entered the store and ordered her to hand over the money in the cash register.  Opening the drawer, she asked, “Is $25 really worth a police record?”   The young man replied that he was hungry and needed the money to get something to eat.  Donni LaSaw then said, “Rather than having to call the police over $25, I’ll buy you a sandwich and give you a couple of apples.” 

Accepting the offer, the would-be bandit took the food and left.
Sometimes it is the simplest of human needs that drive people to do things that they would otherwise not do.  I wonder if the real crime isn’t our failure to see a need and respond to it.

Matthew 25:34-46 talks about the Day of Judgment when people will either be rewarded or condemned for the way they responded to the needs of other people around them.  Those rewarded were not aware they had done anything unusual because they apparently were in the habit of helping.  Those condemned were astonished because they did not see anyone in need. 

Being able to see with the eyes of God and respond from a heart of love is badly needed in our world.
See those around you who need help and respond as you can.  This is one lesson of life that brings great eternal reward.