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"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things". -- Mark 6:34
You’ve seen the signs:
- “Veteran. Anything helps”
- “Out of work. God Bless”
- “Hungry and cold. Thank you.
You know the people. Friends, family, neighbors or coworkers, who have had a bad run of luck. Medical bills. Cars that never run. Jobs that never seem to last. Nothing goes their way …ever.
You also know the Scriptures, Jesus was moved by the poor, by the defenseless, the hopeless.
They are everywhere. They aren’t just sleeping in the parks or panhandling on the overpass. They might just be in the cubicle next to you – a person so racked by the challenges of the day that they are just one day from giving up.
You may have given of yourself in the past, and then pulled back, frustrated by the lack of initiative or progress or gratefulness. You may be convinced that care is for the government or the state or the church. Maybe there is someone else you hope will step in.
Does compassion have limits? You may be the one who needs a touch. You may be burned out. Is it okay to quit caring?
Click here to share your thoughts.
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8 comments so far - add yours here:
I'm not sure?
I guess like most other people, the older the get the more "grey" things get... There was a time when I would give, give, give to those I saw on the street corner, but now I find myself judging more than feeling compassion.
What I mean is, if I see a guy standing on a strret corner holding a beer of some drink wrapped up in a paper bag and smoking, at the same time asking me for my money, the first thing I think is, "if he/she is broke, how did they buy those items"?
It's harder now going to work and working for my money only to be asked on the street to part with a portion of it by someone who is unable or in many cases unwilling to work for themselves.
It's a grey line to walk at times, I found myself giving clothes and food to those who in no way were asking for either, only to be met with a smile of thanks, yet it seems that those asking for and even times demanding such things are the ones whom I seem to judge more.
Great question Dave
I am that person in a "bad run". I think most people would be amazed at the generosity of certain people and the heart of many others who are not in a position to help with basic necessities.
While I am the one in need, the stress of having nothing and depending on others is humanly unbearable to me. I am college educated and still work, but as a laborer and earn only half of what I need to support my family at a barebones existence. Even the labor work is unstable.
I do not want to be in this skin any longer. I want to work productively. I am tired of me for those who help us, how then can they feel?
I have been there, Im working a 3 month gig then probably back to unemployment, Im 48 but I try to do what jesus would do even if its my last dime, If it pops in my head to give I give, to actually help people Im all for it. I believe its not me but the holy spirit working through me.
One of the biggest things for me is to recognize it's not my money. Not at all. I'm responsible to use it well, but as soon as start thinking of it as mine I run into trouble.
My husband insists I not give money unless we've both discussed it. (He knows my soft heart.) So I've offered many other things to people. A meal. Tickets to a church meal. On a rare occasion (only for women), a ride.
I'm amazed at how often I'm turned down by people who insist they're in need but will accept only cash. One guy insisted he needed money for diapers. My husband and I offered to buy them. He said he lived too far away to carry them. We offered him a ride. He said he wasn't ready to go home.
I think people in true need will accept a gift. If possible, I try to offer it.
Well, of course my compassion has limits, so does yours or anyone elses.
Jesus had limits also, He never said "Go and sin some more". There is
accountability here on earth, it is just that we see so little of it any
more. A world without accountability is a world in turmoil and
confusion....exactly like the world we see all around us. Compassion demands a compassionate cause or it is just not compassion at
all, but a cheap way to make ourselves feel better without actually making
anything better. To help a drug addict get his/her next "fix" is not
compassion but to take the steps needed to get them treatment is. Of
course, that takes more time and effort than giving them a twenty dollar
bill, doesn't it?
I think I am like a lot of other Americans, I'm about sick and tired
of "compassion" in all of its phony glory as used in today's world.
Unfortunately, the worst offenders are "Christians" that talk the talk, but
get no where close to walking the walk. Sunday morning "do gooders" have
pretty much turned off most Americas to organized religion, and with good
reason. Churches have become giant entertainment centers, and when they
aren't entertaining the flock, they are preaching......preaching politics.
Compassion? That is sending a missionary to here or there, provided they
are equipped to live like kings and can be as well paid as a corporate
executive while lounging on the beach in Buenos Aires.
Am I cynical? You bet I am, and if you have any eyes or ears, you are
too...or you are a fool and not familiar with the Word of God. Regards!
Rupert spoke about accountability and frankly, that's whats missing from our society, our world, and our churches.
"If a man shall not work, then neither shall he eat."
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