Our current Sunday morning messages, “What Did Jesus Say and Do” focus our attention on the many ways we Jesus followers should care for each other.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2.
Can we reflect today on the importance of caring for others? It’s a fundamental part of our walk with Christ. Jesus demonstrated His profound commitment to people every day by healing the sick, comforting the mourning, and engaging with people marginalized, mistreated and forgotten by society.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31.
As Jesus followers, please let us NOT mimic a lack of compassion for our neighbors, the poor, those yet unsaved, immigrants to this land of opportunity, the elderly, mentally or physically infirm or disabled, people practicing other religions, the homeless, other races or nationalities, people who need to take a bath, those who make controversial gender choices, hurting refugees, or anyone who might need a touch of Jesus Christ’s love in action! Professing to be a Christian and acting ugly toward others is a poisonous combination and a deterrent to the Great Commission! We were never commanded to agree with everyone’s choices or lifestyles or worldview or cultural biases. But we are commanded to love unconditionally as Jesus loves, and to treat people with the same respect we feel should be afforded to us.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4.
Not my words…the BIBLE’S instructions for each of us. The rising lack of respect and callousness towards the plight of others is “on trend” and sanctioned at the highest levels of our American culture today. How shameful! Let’s remember that as Christians we are in the people business because Jesus is in the people business. Our lives should echo His compassion. When we actively listen to others, lend a helping hand or offer encouragement, we are doing the divine work of caring for God’s creation.
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need, but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and truth.” – 1 John 3:17-18.
That’s a mighty worthy goal…and as followers of Jesus, it is our calling.
PRAYER: Lord, how are You calling me to love and help bear another’s burden today? Open my eyes and heart to see the needs around me, and to care for others just like You do. Give me strength to defy the rising trends of arrogance, self-centeredness and disregard for others, and help me act with the kindness and grace befitting a child of God. Amen.