Quite often, I find myself around people who need help. Or, they find themselves around me. There is the woman on the jet with two small children crying and only one set of arms. There are the homeless men and women who position themselves near an onramp and somehow manage to craft a message with brown cardboard and a Sharpie. There is the couple in the car next to mine at the stoplight in a loud and volatile argument. There are the hitchhikers trying to get motorists to stop in sometimes the most inclement weather or harsh circumstances. There are the friends who need some tangible help- moving to another residence, cash to get by until payday, a shoulder to cry on, a friend to talk to. There is the college student needing a place to stay until the dorms open. There is the fellow church member whose car is in the shop and needs a ride or to borrow a car. There is the endless flow of requests from abroad for financial assistance for a very good cause. There are children and grandchildren who need attention.
In all of these cases and a hundred more unmentioned, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot afford to remain disengaged from the need. Whatever I do, I must do something. I cannot afford to do nothing. It is not an appropriate response to human need. It never was and is not today. As soon as I say that, I know there are those who read and think, “Surely he doesn’t give money to everyone who asks, especially if there are clear indications it would be supporting a drug habit.” Or, you might be wondering, “Will he impose his will on every couple or person who is having a private struggle and wants no help?” Calm yourself, because my answer is a clear, “No.” But, there are miles between a prescribed or solicited response and doing nothing.
I have come to the conclusion that there should be in the heart of every person of compassion, a desire to respond to need. It may be done by supplying the person with their request. It may be explaining why their request may be misguided and harmful. It may be a thoughtful, but contrary action. It may be a simple word or a silent prayer. It may be a bit of food instead of cash. It may be a willingness to hold a sick child. It may be an inviting smile or a touch on the shoulder. It may be a strong word of correction. But, God forbid that it would ever be nothing- cold non-responsiveness. I hope I never become callous to human need and say nothing, do nothing or feel nothing. I hope I never forget that grace and mercy and love all require two components: a desire for good to be done to others; and, a sacrifice to accomplish that good. There is desire matched with action. And, as a result, action is always a fitting response to need, even if it is seemingly inconsequential.
I may have missed something in reading the Bible. But, if I am reading it correctly, I do not believe that there was ever a situation of need when Jesus did nothing. Trust me, Jesus encountered more need in a few years than many of us encounter in a lifetime. But, in every clear situation where a person is caught in sin, sick, angry, seeking help or asking a question, Jesus did or said something. Sometimes Jesus’ responses surprise us. Sometimes they are predictable. Sometimes he gives the person something beyond their request. Sometimes he gives them exactly what they ask for. But, he did something every time.
Do me and the world around you a favor. Whenever you encounter need, do something. Pray for the person crying in the other car. Offer to carry the heavy bag up the steps to the other apartment. Anticipate the homeless person and make them a ham sandwich. Cough up some cash for that missionary. Ride the bus for a week so the family who needs a car to attend their relative’s funeral may use yours and be there. Whatever you do, don’t do nothing.
Thank you Bishop! Very good message. I don't know if it is your idea or borrowed, but I have never heard the line, "...grace and mercy and love all require two components: a desire for good to be done to others; and, a sacrifice to accomplish that good." Very genius!
Blessings and Peace!
Posted by: Jaymes | July 04, 2009 at 03:57 AM