Then Who?
July 20
If anyone … sees his brother in need but has no pity … how can the
love of God be in him?
1 John 3:17
The little girl looked so forlorn. Her mother looked as though she were fight-
ing back tears. A covert glance revealed smudged faces and dirty clothes.
Lord, please send someone to minister to whatever problems they’re facing. Meet
their needs, Sherry silently prayed as the elevator stopped on her floor.
“Why not you?” God softly invited.
Oh, Lord, I’ve got to get to work, she rationalized and stepped off the elevator.
“If not you, then who?” God whispered.
What am I supposed to say? Their personal issues are none of my business, she
argued.
“Compassion is everyone’s business,” came the soft reprisal.
Turning back, Sherry hesitantly spoke. “Excuse me. I don’t want to offend
you, but it appears as though you could use some help. Is there something I
can do?”
The tears refused to be held back any longer. “I’m sorry,” the mother began.
“It’s been so difficult lately. I lost my job. Cyndi and I have been living in
homeless shelters. I came here in hopes of getting a job, but the way I look, I’m
afraid no one would hire me.”
Reaching into her purse, Sherry pulled out a brush and began brushing
the little girl’s hair, listening as the mother told her story. “Maybe I can help,”
Sherry began.
h
We may not own a business and be able to hire the unemployed or have spare
rooms to offer, but we can still reach out to those in need in whatever capacity
we are able. Whether we choose to see it or not, hardship surrounds us.
The third chapter of John’s first letter deals with how we are to respond
to God’s love. He invites us to mercifully emulate that love to a world in need.
It may take a few extra minutes, and we may be a bit uncomfortable, but
when we encounter someone in need, we should mentally trade places, as if we
ourselves were the one in need. And then remember God’s challenging appeal:
if not you, then who?
Prayer
“Father, thank You for the loving sacrifice that made
me right with You. May You find in me a willingness
to be Your hand of mercy when You call. Amen.”
No comments:
Post a Comment