Not hurting
September 19, 2011 (Monday)
Every day we pass by people who are in need of encouragement. Many are frightened. Some are brokenhearted. Folks are lonely. People are suffering. A lot of people feel misunderstood. Hurting people are everywhere. Do we see them? Jesus asked one day, “Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? (Mark 8:18). Do we see the needs? Do we hear the cries? Are we perceptive enough to be sensitive to others?
The Apostle Paul reminded us that “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1). Who are these people, the “strong” and the “weak?” Well, it depends. On some days I’m weak and you’re strong and on other days you’re weak and I’m strong. On either day the strong person has the awesome responsibility of helping the weak people.
Surely we can see that the Christian has a mission to continue the work of Christ in this world. If we are not willing to help, we can still refrain from hurting. We must guard our tongues and not say the things that demoralize and bring people down. But we have higher aspirations than that. We are the children of God. We can be positive in our approach and kind in our remarks. Never have such attitudes and actions been more needed than today.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine so that God may be glorified” (Sermon on the Mount).