Devastation is everywhere.
Devastation, tragedy, heartache – words that describe what millions of people in the United States are experiencing right now. The impact of the hurricanes and fires will touch lives for many months, even years to come.
It’s not just us.
It’s especially relevant to look beyond our borders. Millions – no -billions – are suffering from earthquakes, other natural disasters, famine, unrest, and war. And take time to look around your neighborhood. Heartache hits close to home as friends and family experience the devastation of disease, death, and lost relationships. Of course, there is also you. If you inserted your heartache right here ______________________, our shared lists of tragedies would be endless. People are in need!
Have we tuned out?
Many Americans have left the chair they were glued to for many days watching as the devastation unfolded to go back to their business at hand. Stop for a minute! Turn back on your local news channel, open a newspaper, or go online. Let it sink in. Flood water still engulfs people’s homes. Some dwellings have disappeared. Businesses, once flourishing with customers stand deserted, vulnerable to vandalism. People are dying from heat exhaustion.
Take time to look closely.
Please don’t miss it. Do you see the multitudes of people that have put their lives on hold to drive their truck, some hauling a boat while others carry food and water? People have left their comfort and security to help fellow citizens. Reaching beyond race, religion, political affiliation, and familiarity, they are helping strangers. Helpful hands are pushing down barriers to share someone’s burden. Smiling faces are demolishing fear. Strong hugs are wrapping the downtrodden in love and care.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Looking beyond.
Looking beyond the devastation, we see compassion. During the worst possible times, it still exists. Sympathy and sorrow accompanied by the desire to serve have risen above the hate and division. Hence, Humankind has sacrificially responded with grace and mercy. Compassion is alive and well!.
Consequently, we must ask ourselves – Where can we be a helping hand? What barrier are we willing to tear down to show kindness? Or forgiveness?
Most certainly, as a follower of Christ, this is God’s intention for me. If I don’t follow his command, how can I actually help someone else? I mean, when it’s all said and done, compassion opens the opportunity to show the love of Christ. During devastating times, He is the one needed most.
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