Bingo. And the sad fact is that they are willing to give up their freedom for what they think is security. Ole Ben said it best:
Posted on 01/14/2016 11:21:20 PM PST by metmom
"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body" (Hebrews 13:2).
Because we too are human beings, God makes it possible for us to empathize with others who might be enduring hardship.
The Apostolic Confession, an ancient church confession, says, "If any Christian is condemned for Christ's sake to the mines by the ungodly, do not overlook him, but from the proceeds of your toil and sweat, send him something to support himself, and to reward the soldier of Christ." You can see from this quote that the early church took seriously its responsibility to help people who were suffering persecution. To obtain money to free a fellow believer, some early Christians even sold themselves into slavery.
It's unlikely we'll ever have to face such extreme measures. But we can definitely learn from the heart attitude that prompted such an action. The point is, we should do whatever we can to understand what others are going through. We don't necessarily have to experience the same starvation, imprisonment, or harsh treatment that they are enduring in order to sympathize. Being human-"in the body," as today's verse says-and suffering our own hurts and hungers should be enough incentive for us to help others.
You can have loving empathy for someone in at least three ways. First, you can simply "be there" as a friend to encourage the other person when he is in trouble.
A second way to show empathy is by giving direct help. The Philippians shared with the apostle Paul in his affliction by financially supporting his ministry in other places (Phil. 4:14-16). In this way they also encouraged him spiritually.
Third, you can give empathy through prayer. Paul's closing words to the Colossians, "Remember my imprisonment" (Col. 4:18), were an appeal for prayer. It was the only means remaining by which the church could effectively support him.
If we have Christ's example, who is not "a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses" (Heb. 4:15), how can we possibly ignore the hurts of others, especially those of fellow believers? Instead, sincere empathy should be a regular part of our service for the Lord.
Suggestions for Prayer
Pray for a greater alertness and sensitivity to those you know who might be hurting.
For Further Study
Based on the Good Samaritan story in Luke 10:29-37, what are the essential attitudes and actions of a good neighbor?
Things have changed a lot in 20 years.
Studying God's Word ping
You are correct. Thanks for the ping.
“Studying God’s Word”
We are on it.
There is nothing else right now. And we are set to win.
Thank you for sharing excellent words of wisdom.
We must remember though that it is far better to take the time to teach a person to fish rather than just giving them a fish.
Our current government is creating people who are addicts who first received with gratitude, which then turn to an expectation of receiving, and now has turned to a feeling of anger if their entitlement is not received. They have become weak and angry as they have surrendered their individual power to the government.
I’m currently reading a book called “Toxic Charity” written by a pastor in Atlanta. I highly recommend it as a must read for everyone. It’s similar to the philosophies many of us used when raising our children and teaching them initiative and responsibility.
Good post metmom!
Bingo. And the sad fact is that they are willing to give up their freedom for what they think is security. Ole Ben said it best:
And I have seen that mentality within the church and it shows up no where better than the health, wealth, and prosperity movement, where people think they are entitled to health, wealth, and prosperity and have the right to demand it (name it and claim it) from God.
Thank-you. This is very good.
“Come let us cleanse ourselves by almsgiving and acts of mercy to the poor,
Not sounding a trumpet or making a show of our charity.
Let not our left hand know what our right hand is doing;
Let not vainglory scatter the fruit of our almsgiving;
But in secret let us call on Him that knows all secrets;
Father, forgive us our trespasses, for Thou lovest mankind.”
Matins of the Sunday of Orthodoxy
How do you protect the innocent that truly need?
Sorry, how do I turn off the red
Good question-one that I often struggle with. Today the distinction of the "truly need" is blurred by social hype. I find there is a lot of social pressure to give to causes that are not always the best use of resources. For example, I don't like giving to Christian charities that just distribute food or clothing but does not present a Christian message. What's the point? But you feel "creepy" and a scrooge if you say anything.
A church that I attended decided to send money to a sister church to build wells in Nairobi so that the village people would have fresh drinking water. They built eight wells all on church property and the town people could come and get fresh water whenever they needed it. They posted an evangelistic sign so that the village people could see it every time they came for water. It drew people to the church. What a wonderful use of funds.
It's really a judgment call and you just have to be wise about giving.
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