| FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Insights (18) |
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| INSIGHTS | ||
Personal experiences which have provoked thought - and created or reinforced particular insights about our lives in God's world.
In this example, one of our church-members, reflects on the moral difficulty we can experience when passing a beggar in the street. How should we respond? Who do we see there? What is the right thing to do? What would Jesus have done? "He (God) loves the alien, giving him food and clothing, And you are to love those who are aliens." Deuteronomy 10 v18-19 | ||
Who do we see? When we pass a beggar in the street - who do we see? Do we see someone who is making the street look untidy or do we see a hungry person, a homeless person?
Do we try to avoid the person selling the 'Big Issue'. It costs over £1 and we may not have time to read it, even if we want to. What a waste! To that person, though, standing in shop doorways or street corners in all sorts of weather, it gives them self worth to know that even in such a small way they are making a contribution. Who do we see? Just after Christmas, Peter and I went to Fresh Start 2008 at Altrincham Methodist where Rev Steve Wild was speaking. Steve is the Director of Evangelism at Cliff College. He told us something of his work with the students and how, on one occasion, he took a team to Amsterdam and there they saw and talked to a few of the prostitutes. Steve spoke of the great sadness he felt, especially as many of these young girls were the same ages as his daughters. His daughters, though, know of the love of Jesus. The students bought roses and gave one to each of the girls they spoke to, and through this act of grace they were able to show and tell them of the love Jesus had for them. Steve and the students didn't see prostitutes, they saw young girls in need. We have a young man who, from time to time, calls at our house. It all started a long time ago when Pete lent him a bicycle pump, and over the years we have given him other things, including cat food (for his dog!). He has asked for advice but as fast as one problem is solved (if we are able to) there are half a dozen more to follow. I find him very difficult to cope with and, to my shame, I send Pete to talk to him when he calls. Because Pete knows my feelings, he doesn't invite him in. Would it really hurt me though to offer him half an hour of my time along with a cup of tea? Who do I see? A problem, or a young man with many problems who just wants a kind word? Jesus loved those who we might consider unlovely, and He commands that we do the same, loving our neighbour as ourselves. Jesus loved us so much that He died for each and everyone of us, making no discrimination, showing no favouritism. James 2 v 1 says 'My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favouritism'. All Jesus asks of us is that we simply love those whom He loves. Matthew 25 v 40 says, And the King answering shall say to them: "Verily, I say to you, inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it to me". When God looks at us, who does He see? He just sees the people He loves - each and every one of us - equally! Who do we see? Dorothy R
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