Love thy neighbor
From something I wrote a couple of months ago….
Today is the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. My city took in about 3,000 of the refugees, so the local newspaper did a feature about where they are now. They were poor, taken from their homes having lost everything they had. Placed in the southwest desert and expected to make a new life. Some rose to the occasion and are doing well. Many of them were not doing so well. Suffering from many trauma, health issues, running out of assistance, living on the streets etc.
The website for the newspaper allows people to post comments about the stories. There were about a dozen comments. Most of them were heartless. Comments like “These people are using this tragic event as an excuse to continue doing nothing. I feel no pity.” Another wrote “I feel nothing for these lazy sponges that complain they can’t get their lives in order. They were losers before the storm, they are losers after the storm and unfortunately, in life some people are incapable of being better then losers.” And still another “Is there anyway we can deport these Katrina parasites?”
Perhaps Im not much better. I havent contributed to them. I havent lifted a finger to help them out. I remember seeing them after the storm, at the local sports arena where they were housed for a couple of weeks. The poor we will always have with us He said. We are to help those in need. To love our neighbor as ourselves. In what way have I done that?
Hmm. This blog entry didnt turn out at all like I thought it would. Seems I need to do some careful examination of my heart.
on December 18th, 2007 at 2:32 am
The other day I wanted to die. I wanted to die because those very statements quoted above are genuinely characteristic of the nature of people these days. People walk by when others are in need without hesitation. People gossip about eachother, cheat, lie, hurt, steal; without remorse. There is very little compassion left in the world, and us CHRISTIANS, whom God has called to stand out and bring compassion to the world just like Jesus did, can be just as awful as the unbelievers.
I can’t beleive that people can be so heartless and cruel. It’s not just hurricane Katrina, it’s in our daily lives. It’s racism. It’s hatred. It’s pride. It’s anger. It’s unforgiveness. I hate this world and all I want is for Jesus to come bring us out of this miserable place. How sad. It must be awful to live being so cruel. All I have to say is the MIGHTY JESUS who came to this earth came for the poor, homeless, weary, deserted, lowest of the low that society cast out. BLESSED are the victims of Hurrican Katrina for the Lord has His favor over them. The Bible says God LAUGHS at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming. Psalm 37:13
on January 11th, 2008 at 1:14 am
Dear Sister in Christ,
As we travel along our spiritual journey, we learn to love our neighbors as Christ has loved us. This doesn’t mean we must like what someone is doing simply love them. Unfortunately, in this world we tend to be afraid to reach out sometimes in fear of having charges made against us. Sin really is working well here. This doesn’t stop us from loving however. Pray we may be willing to step out of our boat and walk on the water with Jesus. Step out of your comfort zone just one small step at a time and you will be amazed how the Holy Spiit will work in your life.
Grace and peace,
Chuck