Let’s invite Jesus to help us think like he thinks!
I love this scripture:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” - Romans 12:2
There are so many ambiguities, questions and frustrations during this season. Homelessness and poverty are certainly high on the list! If you are feeling unsure how to respond, what to think, or how to act, you are not alone. So, let's invite Jesus to renew our minds!
God’s DNA is in all of us because He created us in His image!
We also learn from the stories of redemption in Jesus that we are His children. All of us. And finally, if we simply look at Matthew 25, we are faced with the mystical union of God with the poor and struggling. As theologians say, “God has a preference for the poor”. When we love, it is like we are loving God Himself. When we feed, clothe, love, call by name, and touch the poor, we are doing it as if unto Him directly.
To put it simply, we are called to love the poor because God loves the poor. A lot! As Christians, we can’t avoid that call. It is universally ours. But, how do we do that and what difference might it make in a sea of challenges we don’t understand?
Three suggestions to do for yourself before you help anyone else.
- Actively put down your assumptions about people who are without homes or who are poor.
- In this time of stress, pandemic, economic downturn, and smokey skies, do something to nurture yourself and your relationship with the God who created you, loves you, and redeems you.
- Give yourself freedom. There’s no right way. It's okay to do something small.
What would Jesus do? Check out his creativity!
First, it is not a formula. Jesus uses a whole toolbox of responses! Each encounter is personal and contextual. Jesus is compassionate. Jesus is challenging. Jesus is counter cultural. Jesus is generous.
Several biblical stories come to mind where Jesus interacts with those in need or with outcasts: Zacchaeus, the fellow at the pool of Bethesda, the hemorrhagic woman, and the paralytic that got lowered into the house by his hope-filled friends. These stories demonstrate “what Jesus would do.”
Choose to be before choosing to do.
Be an imitator of Jesus. We can learn from Jesus how to treat those in need around us. Look into their eyes. Ask someone their name. Say hello. If you have time, inquire as to their well-being, their history or their needs.
If you want to do something, think both immediate and think long term. A bottle of water or a soft protein bar are great as short-term offerings. This time of year, a hand warmer or a pair of socks are welcome. For long term transformation and opportunity, send them to the Jesus Center as a great starting place, or straight to the Torres Shelter for men and to Sabbath House for women. An easy way to refer is to say: “I work with/support the Jesus Center to help those in need. They are best suited to help you.”
Your act of kindness fills their tanks one gesture at a time.
As they experience love, they begin to believe that they are lovable, created for a purpose, and able to find new life. Once they begin thinking differently about themselves, they will take up opportunities to build a new life through the Jesus Center, the County services, and other resources.
We need YOU to do the loving. And, as you do, God will be so pleased!
If you missed Pastor Andrew's message last Sunday from his series The Kingdom, "Compassion and Care for the Poor", click here to watch the video or listen to the podcast.
We invite you to join us online Sundays at 11:00 a.m. for our live stream service which you can watch on Facebook or YouTube.
Please check our Facebook page every weekend to get the latest news regarding a possible 9:00 a.m. outdoor service.
