It would be hard to say that someone is growing in their faith if they do not show signs (or fruit), of their faith. I John 3:18 "My Little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth." Do we say we love the Lord with all of our heart, mind and strength and then do not act accordingly?

Showing mercy to those in need does not mean not using discernment. The church needs to discriminate between those seeking to feed their sinful nature and those seeking to feed their children. There are many people, especially in this economy who are eagerly seeking work and unable to find it.

And do we dare spiritualize portions of Scripture which deal with showing mercy and compassion on the needy such as Isaiah 58? "to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"

Just my
my2cents

The Chestnut Mare