Compassionate Love

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 33 / NT - Luke 7:18-50

"And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me." - Luke 7:22-23

Some years ago, a team of Christ-like men and women from our church ministered once a month at a local city mission. They would gather together and make the trip to share in music, testimony and Bible message. The men they reached were broken, beaten down and without hope. The mission was the last stop to nowhere. Yet, like our Savior, my dear brothers and sisters would reach out to these men with the love of Christ.

Such was the ministry and calling card of our Lord. He embraced the down-trodden, war-torn and social rejects. He brought them love, hope and good news from heaven. There were many who were disturbed over this fact, but there was great blessing to all those who were not offended by our Lord's compassionate care.

This is what Christ-like ministry is all about my friend. If you have been led to believe ministry is all about big crowds and palatial buildings, you have been misled. Stop and look around and you will see people who are hurting in every possible way. They need hope. They need love. They need compassionate care. They need Jesus and you may be the only "Jesus" they will ever meet. Love them like Jesus my friend, love them like Jesus.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 34 / NT - Luke 8:1-18