Hand Up Instead of a Handout

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 3:7-8 NLT - Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 3 gives us a detailed account of Peter, John, and the man who was lame from birth, who was healed. It begins with the sad reality that this man was brought to the Temple daily.

Acts 3:2 NLT - As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple.

The Jewish historian Josephus described this gate on the Temple Mount as being made of fine Corinthian brass, seventy-five feet high, with huge double doors—so beautiful that it “greatly excelled those that were only covered over with silver and gold.”

This scene is not unfamiliar to you and me, except for the location. We often see people begging on street corners, in storefronts, and even in our churches. What do we do, and how are we to handle the situation?

Peter gives us two key points:

1. Be compassionate, kind, and honest.
2. Give them what is more valuable than money—the Gospel—along with help. Help does not always come in the form of money; food, clothing, and shelter are just as valid.

What strikes me most about this account is that for a long time, this man came to “church” and remained in this condition. Either he was content or desperate—yet no one would (or could) help him.

How many people come through our church doors feeling the same way? They may have been coming for a long time, so it just “looks” normal, even routine. Yet inside, they are lame, unable to walk in the way God intended fully. They, too, are looking for a hand up, not a handout.

This scene is not unfamiliar to you and me, except for the location. We often see people begging on street corners, in storefronts, and even in our churches. What do we do, and how are we to handle the situation?
Peter gives us two key points:
Be compassionate, kind, and honest.
Give them what is more valuable than money—the Gospel—along with help. Help does not always come in the form of money; food, clothing, and shelter are just as valid.
What strikes me most about this account is that for a long time, this man came to “church” and remained in this condition. Either he was content or desperate—yet no one would (or could) help him.
How many people come through our church doors feeling the same way? They may have been coming for a long time, so it just “looks” normal, even routine. Yet inside, they are lame, unable to walk in the way God intended fully. They, too, are looking for a hand up, not a handout.

APPLICATION:
The answer, I think, lies in the words that Peter spoke to this man:

Acts 3:6-7 NLT - But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.

The next time you see that person by the gates—the Church—take a step of faith so they can take a step of faith. Share with them what you have, something greater than silver or gold—the Good News of Jesus Christ. Encourage them with the Word of God, just as Peter did. In doing so, we, like Peter, are “taking them by the hand and helping them up.”

It took Peter, John, and the lame man to take a step of faith. Are we willing to do the same? Let’s be those who, more than giving a handout (though at times that is needed), give a hand up through our encouragement and the Word of God.

Look for the one person you can help up today.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for seeing me as I am and for giving me something more valuable than silver or gold—eternal life! May I look for those I can help up, whether it begins with a handout or a hand up? May I be faithful to notice those who come daily seeking relief. Give me the same compassion You gave Peter and John—Your heart for the lost, hurting, and desperate.
The answer, I think, lies in the words that Peter spoke to this man:
Acts 3:6-7 NLT - But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.
The next time you see that person by the gates—the Church—take a step of faith so they can take a step of faith. Share with them what you have, something greater than silver or gold—the Good News of Jesus Christ. Encourage them with the Word of God, just as Peter did. In doing so, we, like Peter, are “taking them by the hand and helping them up.”
It took Peter, John, and the lame man to take a step of faith. Are we willing to do the same? Let’s be those who, more than giving a handout (though at times that is needed), give a hand up through our encouragement and the Word of God.
Look for the one person you can help up today.
PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for seeing me as I am and for giving me something more valuable than silver or gold—eternal life! May I look for those I can help up, whether it begins with a handout or a hand up? May I be faithful to notice those who come daily seeking relief. Give me the same compassion You gave Peter and John—Your heart for the lost, hurting, and desperate.