How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?Likewise, there are many "little ones" who are in danger of perishing not of a spiritual want (as the Lord indicated in the New Testament parable) but of a physical want: perishing for want of food, clothing, shelter, love, a family, clean water, opportunities to learn, and so on.
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
-- Matthew 18:12-14 (KJV)
We, as part of the "ninety and nine" who have resources (however meager they might be), are encouraged to give to those who have not--to seek out those in need and strengthen "the one" who needs our help.
The call to action in the stirring hymn "Because I Have Been Given Much" written by Grace Noll Crowell sums up our blessed privilege to give with these words:
Because I have been given much, I too must give
Because of Thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live
I shall divide my gifts from Thee
with every brother that I see,
who has the need of help from me.
Because I have been sheltered, feed by Thy good care
I cannot see another's lack and I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,
My roof's safe shelter overhead
That he too may be comforted.
Because I have been blessed by Thy great love, dear Lord
I'll share Thy love again according to Thy word.
I shall give love to those in need,
I'll show that love by word and deed
Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.
