Compassion, Care and Concern

Last week, I talked about comfort zone Christianity. We were never called to be comfortable. We are to be committed. I ask you again today to consider how comfortable we are compared to so many across the Southern and Midwest regions of our country who have lost homes, family members, friends, money , precious possessions, jobs, pets, food, clothes and so much more.

But, have they lost everything? No, they have not. How do we send that message to these people in despair, loss, and sorrow that they are not defeated? We do that with compassion and kindness. The first responders and usually the last to leave after disaster strikes are usually Christians. We are usually there before the government and long after. Why is this?

We are compelled to step up in times like these and do everything we can to help those in need because that's what Christ exemplified for us. In Joplin, Missouri, at least 125 are dead, and possibly hundreds remain unaccounted for. More than 900 were injured. Relief efforts continue in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Missouri. States in the Midwest like Oklahoma and Iowa have suffered damage as well.

What if it were you who barely survived? What if it were you who still can't find your loved one? What if it were you who were standing on top of rubble that used to be your house? All of these things happened and were taken away in a matter of minutes. What matters to you? You know what those things are and why they do matter.

Today , we have an opportunity to contribute and give to those who have lost so much in our special offering. Let's show compassion, care and comfort in this way today knowing that we are so blessed and those beaten down by terrible weather are not defeated. Philippians 4:19-20 reminds us, “19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
-Love, Rob