I want to assure you that God cares deeply about every person on this earth who faces hunger or disease or war or disaster. When Jesus looked at those who were following Him, the Bible says “he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).

It’s not easy to understand why there is so much suffering in the world—although the Bible tells us that this was not part of God’s original plan. But something went wrong—and that “something” is what the Bible calls sin. As I’ve often said, sin is like a deadly virus that’s not only infected our souls, but it has corrupted all creation.

But someday God will intervene … Jesus Christ will come again in power and glory … and all the sin and suffering and death of this world will be destroyed. And we know this is true, because Jesus Christ broke sin’s power by His resurrection from the dead. As a result, the Bible says, “we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

In the meantime, you and I are called to do all we can to bring help and hope to those in need. We may not be able to do everything, but we can do something—and we must. Commit your life to Jesus Christ, and then ask Him to show you how you can make a difference in the lives of others. A righteous person, the Bible says, “gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked” (Ezekiel 18:16).

Has Jesus made a difference in your life?