John 3:16 (KJV)
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.
The heart of God hurts
when people hurt. God notes when we cry, when we sigh, when we lose our way
and when we suffer. Suffering does not mean God is absent; but without His
eternal perspective we don’t always understand its purpose. And, when all is
said and done, we don’t always think in terms of high and lofty purpose—sometimes
we just need help and to be held. And Jesus is the very BEST at doing that.
We’ve all seen the
stories, the videos, the pictures of the devastation caused by the
earthquake, the tsunami, and the resulting nuclear meltdown. When our
children watch our response how do we want them to remember us as people of
faith—as those who care and extend the love of Jesus to a hurting and lost
world from another culture? Or as someone pointing a finger and proclaiming
judgment? Some declare the judgment of God on a culture with another
religion. Jesus is clearly the only way of salvation (John 14:6 (NKJV)
6 Jesus said to him, "I am
the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
Me.), but how best do we extend His love, His truth and His Kingdom? It
seems to me the best way to show hurting people the love of Jesus is with
tangible care, practical support, with prayer, and by sharing the gospel of
the Good News of Jesus with those who hurt.
It has long been said,
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” As
believers, let’s demonstrate our care. There are abundant opportunities to
give: to those in Haiti, in New Zealand, and now in Japan and a host of
other places around the world. Give to those ministries who genuinely serve
the hurting like The Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, and
the Red Cross (I urge you to especially give to Christian ministries who
will share the gospel and love of Jesus along with the tangible goods of
life.) Lead your family and friends in prayer; show Jesus’ love and
interest in people you don’t even know. One should never refuse to consider
judgment as a reason for suffering and tragedy but remember “23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans
3:23 NKJV). If judgment truly is falling from the hand of God, remember
your home and community, and mine, could be next. Please keep
in mind that we are not saved because we deserve it. We need the covering
blood of Jesus and His grace in our lives, in our families, and in our
communities. Let’s extend that same love and mercy to others who are hurting
and need Him now.
www.GraceChristianCenter.us
