INCONVENIENT COMPASSION

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I sat through some “interesting” education yesterday.

My Jeremiah Tree Men’s Program Manager Kip and I went to OhioDAS in Columbus and attended a Recovery Resource Housing session.  Why I say interesting is that it is rare that a “State” organization and a “church” organization get to share the same space let alone potentially the same opportunities for funding.

But it is true!  And it could be a game changer!

Be in prayer for my brother Kip as he takes the TREE's lead to provide more opportunities for our addicted to find housing, help and JESUS!

But I mention the program and our visit not just for prayer but to share something a little disturbing.

One of the presenters from another County who was efforting to open a 5 bed/2 bath RECOVERY HOME was met with 200 angry opposed constituents, an adversarial community LLC action group, a potential lawsuit, and a concerted and financially backed effort to block the process.  It is likely the “good work” and the help will be denied because those “constituents” found this sort of compassion “inconvenient” for them.

Who is our neighbor again?  That saddened me.

But I too was challenged recently that compassion isn’t always convenient. Sometimes I miss my mark as well. That is true.

But compassion is our calling as CHRISTians! 

We have a glorious example to follow.

Mark 6:34 (ESV)

…he saw a great crowd, and he had COMPASSION on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd

Matthew 23:37 (CEV)

I (JESUS) have often wanted to gather you…as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.

I will quickly admit, some days I am guilty of letting my compassion suffer because to share it would be inconvenient.  I will admit that.  Not proud to do so. But today, I want to encourage us both.

Extend compassion.  Have the heart of Christ. Is someone hurting around you?  Extend a gracious hand.  Pull them close with a warm hug if you can and if appropriate.  Maybe all you can offer is just a text message of encouragement a FACEBOOK EMOJI with a smiling face, or a “thinking of you” voicemail.  Don’t hesitate. 

Clearing the closet? Someone could use those jeans.  Retiring the bedding?  Why not donate that comforter, it is awfully cold.  

You are getting my drift.

Let’s never become as those constituents in the unnamed county and forget our calling to compassion.

“How would your life be different if…You stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter? Let today be the day…You look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey.” ― Steve Maraboli

Even when it is "inconvenient."

 

I love you all!

Freedom Church