We Need You

What are we doing? I mean, what are we REALLY doing to impact the world around us? Chances are, unless we live in a cave of apathy and indifference (as many do), we are making a difference. But what kind of difference are we making? Is it an intentional difference? Do we have a presence about us that is measurable by our absence? For good, or ill?

Life matters. People matter. Your neighbors, friends, coworkers, and enemies. Those you like and dislike. Those with whom you do and do not agree. 

The truth is, we need you.

The world needs the selfish, entitled, pansy, lazy, overly sensitive, easily offended wonderful, productive, engaging, understanding, and actually tolerant and compassionate you that is far too easily hidden, marginalized, and/or forgotten. 

Step up. Do something. C'mon already! We need you! What will you do that world needs? Let us know below.

February 26 - The Compassion of Christ

Read: Matthew 9:35-38

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36 ESV)

Jesus was compassionate. He was sincere in approach, specific in affection, and direct in the administration of humanitarian consideration toward those in need. If you were sick, he was a healer. If you were blind, he made you to see. If you were marginalized, he sought justice. If you were dead to your sin, he brought you to life. His compassion seemed to come without boundaries, borders, or prerequisites. However, Jesus especially, and lovingly, reached out to the poor and neglected.

Crowds followed Jesus. He did the miraculous regularly. Often these were comprised primarily of those deeply marginalized by the corrupted religious establishment. They gathered en masse as a leaderless people looking for a leader, protector, and provider. Jesus came to be exactly that. He was and is the good shepherd. Whether physically or spiritually blind, he can still help you see. If you are arrested by fear he can set you free. If you are walking in the death of darkness he can lead you to the light of life. He still has great compassion.

What about you? I've been personally reevaluating this for some time. How compassionate are you? Sometimes people are just naturally compassionate. Some of us have to work at it. How do we do that? By reaching out with the authentic love of Jesus to someone that just needs to know him. Jesus showed compassion to show his caring nature, desire to serve, and to glorify God. Should our motivation be any different?

Miracle on 42nd Street

Many of you, like me, were no doubt touched by the story coming out of New York City following the actions of 25 year old police officer Lawrence DePrimo. Officer DePrimo was working on 42nd Street on a really cold night in November when he noticed a shoeless homeless man walking down the sidewalk. The officer stepped into a nearby shoe store and emerged with a pair of all-weather boots, which he then helped the man to put on. The moment was captured on her cell phone camera by a tourist from Arizona.

It was a moving moment that demonstrates love and generosity to a culture often overshadowed by cynicism and negativity. This time of year many people become more generous. Whether it is a reflection on the spirit of the season or a reflection on our nature, it is a great thing. The moment I heard the story of Officer DePrimo I immediately thought of this passage from Matthew's Gospel.

Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."

Then the righteous will answer him, saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?"

And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:34-40 ESV)

You can read more about this story here.

Or see the original post on the NYPD Facebook page here.