Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Proverbs 17
17:5 "He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished." This is huge especially for anyone that is going on the San Fransisco Trip. As followers of Christ we are to show compassion and to love on the less fortunate, but so many times I think we all fail to do this. Sometimes we tend to evaluate or even judge their lives saying things like... "wow this wouldn't have happened if you just did it this way or if you didn't do that" But all people are created in God's image and we need to love them all the same! Take a look back does this describe any of us a little bit? When is the last time we took a step to work with or really care for the poor and underprivileged?
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4 comments:
I think the last time I really cared for the poor or homeless was in South Bend last year. We went to a homeless shelter and helped clean and stuff there. I know I judge people. Everyone does one way or another even if they don't come out and say it. They do in their minds and that's still not good. We judge people by saying "they're too nerdy to hang out with us" or "i don't like them cause they're annoying" or "look at their clothes!" Like you said nick, we are all creeated in God's eyes and he loves us all so we should too.
I know I fail sometimes to show compassion for the less fortunate. When trying to understand WHY we all do this, I think it is because when we see people who are suffering, we get a sense of pride and power. We feel that because we aren't "down there with them" we are better then them. How wrong and foolish are those who think that! Bayley brings up a really good point: God created us all with love in His eyes. He did not ever intend us to look down upon one another this way. One thing I tell myself to overcome this stereotyping is to remind myself of the words from Jesus. I don't remember the exact verse, but it said how when helping those less then you, you are helping Jesus Christ himself. That is the notion that I am going to focus on really hard throughout this trip. And Bayley brings up another good point. We should all break free of stereotypes and embrace diversity. Each and every one of us is unique, and in God's eyes that is a beautiful thing. The challenge is for us to see everyone the way God sees us!
This is something that i definitely needed to hear before i left on the San Fransisco trip. I have been to New York City quiet a few times throughout my life so seeing a homeless person on the street has become a little more normal to me then most people in wooster. I even had began to think of them as they were not even there. When i would walk past them on the streets, i would completely ignore their presense. But as i realized how helping the homeless was going to be a big part of this mission trip, i started to think. These people are real live human beings and God loves them just as much as he loves me. They are in need of hope and that is something that all Christians can bring them, we can show them the love of Jesus.
Wow all three of your comments were encouraging and exciting to read. I am glad that you guys are really wrestling with Scripture! It is also cool to hear how you guys are being challenged and sharpened through the reading of God's word. Isn't that the coolest thing! I love how powerful Scripture is! Keep it up guys you're all doing an amazing job and it's great to hear your thoughts while going through this together!
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