OFFERING
A CUP OF COFFEE

Topics: Caring; Compassion; Discipleship; Generosity; Giving; Homelessness; Kindness; Needs; Poor People; Regret

References: Matthew 10:40–42; James 2:14–17

The Chicago-based newspaper StreetWise is sold by homeless people who collect a portion of the proceeds. One day as I walked to work, I passed a StreetWise vendor. It was a bitterly cold January morning, and I’d already stopped by Starbucks and paid more than a buck for a measly cup of coffee. Feeling noble, I struggled to find my wallet, reached in, and took out a dollar.

The homeless woman asked, “Do you really want the paper, or can I keep it to sell to someone else?”

“Keep the paper,” I replied. Then I added, “How are you today?”

“I’m so cold,” she said.

“I hope the sun comes out, it warms up, and you have a good day,” I told her as I turned to go.

I continued on, with the cup of coffee warming my hand. About half a block later, the conversation finally registered. I wrestled for a moment with what I should do, but I was late, so I kept walking. Ever since, I’ve regretted not giving her a cup of hot coffee in Christ’s name.

—Joseph Stowell, A Heart for the City (Moody, 1999)