Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:4
The question is “Must We Be Personally Affected in Order to Care?”. The scriptures above are very clear that this is not the case.
How appropriate is this subject for today and the things that are happening in this world? Constantly, (I dare to say perhaps weekly) we are interrupted with “breaking news” on the television. Reports of mass shootings, drive-by shootings, school shootings, wars and rumors of wars, and/or disasters caused by floods, storms or fires. So many people/families/children have been displaced and are suffering. Many have lost everything except what they had on their backs or could carry. Some had to flee not only their homes but had to leave their country as well.
Should we not care about the families affected by all the mass shootings that are happening because we are not personally affected? Yet! Should we not care about the easy access to “ghost guns” and a plethora of assault rifles and “long guns” that are used to kill innocent lives? What about those trying to escape the mortar shells raining down upon them because of an unjust war? What about the school shootings that outrage us?
After the outrage and disbelief – after the overused expression of “our thoughts and prayers”. WHAT THEN? Do we continue with our lives being indifferent to the suffering and needs of others because we are not personally affected? As a Christian and a disciple of Jesus we are now his hands and feet down here on this earth. God wants our light to shine and our lives to glorify him. Therefore, we are to be kind and merciful and show the love of Christ. 1 John 3:18 says, “let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth”. Pray and ask God for guidance, direction and wisdom. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name,…”. Hebrews 6:10
May God bless you and keep you and direct your steps in this matter.
“DON’T LOOK AWAY”!
Zoe Touray
Regina has been writing poetry and short stories since high school. The inspiration for her material comes from sermons preached, testimonies she has heard and life’s experiences. Regina is a mother, grandmother and an active member of the Lothian Church of God. In addition to writing, she is an etiquette coach for young girls between the ages 10 – 15. Her passion is to help them build self-esteem using Psalm 139:14 “…for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:…” as her guide. After 38 years in the federal government, God instructed her to retire and to do more for Him. Praise God for He is her source!
