The Narrow Way

Imagine a neighborhood where one family has a pantry full of food while their next-door neighbor is struggling to feed their family. The neighbor in need comes by, asking for help, but instead of offering food, the family with the full pantry closes the door and turns them away. Despite having more than enough, they keep everything for themselves. The hungry neighbor goes home without any help. The family’s lack of compassion, even though they had the ability to help, shows an absence of love.

In the same way, 1 John 3:17 teaches us that if we have material possessions and see someone in need but refuse to help, the love of God is not in us. Just like the family who has a full pantry but refuses to share, we are called to show God’s love by being generous and caring for those around us who are in need.

Breaking Down the Analogy

1. The Family with the Full Pantry Represents Us with Material Blessings
   The family with the full pantry symbolizes us when we are blessed with resources and material possessions. Just as the family has more than enough food, we often have the means to help others who are struggling.
2. The Neighbor in Need Represents Those Around Us Who Are Struggling
   The neighbor in need represents those who are struggling financially or materially. Just as the hungry neighbor asks for help, there are people in our lives who are in need of our compassion and assistance.
3. Closing the Door Represents Ignoring Others’ Needs
   The act of closing the door on the neighbor represents ignoring the needs of those around us. Just as the family with the full pantry refuses to help their neighbor, we sometimes turn away from opportunities to help others, even when we have the means to do so.
4. Helping Represents Showing God’s Love Through Action
   Helping the neighbor by sharing food from the pantry represents showing God’s love through practical action. Just as sharing food demonstrates compassion, helping others in need is a way we reflect the love of God to the world around us.

Lesson from the Analogy

1 John 3:17 teaches us that if we see someone in need but refuse to help, the love of God is not in us. Like a neighbor with a full pantry who refuses to help someone who is hungry, we are called to show our love for God by being generous and caring for those in need. This verse reminds us that true love is not just about words or feelings—it’s about action. Just as the family with the full pantry should have shared their food, we are called to help others when we have the resources to do so, reflecting God’s love through our generosity and compassion.